4 available Drugs that can beat the coronavirus

The world has been sent into self-isolation in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus. Developing new vaccines takes time, and they must be rigorously tested and confirmed safe via clinical trials before they can be routinely used in humans. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in the US, has frequently stated that a vaccine is at least a year to 18 months away

What is a vaccine?
A vaccine is a type of treatment aimed at stimulating the body's immune system to fight against infectious pathogens, like bacteria and viruses. They are, according to the World Health Organization, "one of the most effective ways to prevent diseases."
- There are no specific treatments for COVID-19 as yet, though a number are in the works, including experimental antivirals, which can attack the virus, and existing drugs targeted at other viruses like HIV which have shown some promise in treating COVID-19.

1- Remdesivir
- "There's only one drug right now that we think may have real efficacy," Bruce Aylward of the World Health Organization said last month, as reported by STAT. "And that's Remdesivir."
- It has proven effective at inhibiting the growth of similar viruses, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). In a petri dish, Remdesivir can prevent human cells from becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2.
- Remdesevir can reduce complications or shorten the disease course in COVID-19 patients.
- It works by knocking out a specific piece of machinery in the virus, known as "RNA polymerase," which many viruses use to replicate. It has been shown in the past to be effective in human cells and mouse models
- It can stop the coronavirus from copying itself. Through clinical trials and expanded access programs, more than 1,700 COVID-19 patients have been treated with Remdesivir.

2- Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine
Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of malaria, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, but preliminary research in human and primate cells suggests that the drugs could effectively treat COVID-19.
It appears to be able to block viruses from binding to human cells and getting inside them to replicate. It also may stimulate the immune system.
- Chloroquine could quell the spread of SARS-CoV when applied to infected human cells.
Chloroquine disrupts the ability of the SARS-CoV virus to enter and replicate in human cells. 
Chloroquine phosphate is widely available, but it isn't without its side effects, and health officials are warning against self-medicating. It can give you headaches, diarrhea, rashes, itching and muscle problems.

3- Favipiravir
- Favipiravir or Avigan, has been used in Japan to treat influenza, and last month, the drug was approved as an experimental treatment for COVID-19 infections.
The drug appeared to shorten the course of the disease, with patients who were given the treatment clearing the virus after just four days, while those who did not took around 11 days. 
So far, reports suggest the drug has been tested in 340 individuals in Wuhan and Shenzhen. "It has a high degree of safety.
-  Favipiravir is an influenza treatment and a broad-spectrum antiviral drug. It's not approved in the US, but is used in Japan and China.

4- Losartan 
Losartan is a generic blood-pressure medication that some scientists are hoping could help patients with COVID-19.
Losartan works by blocking a receptor, or doorway into cells that the chemical called angiotensin II uses to enter the cells and raise blood pressure. SARS-CoV-2 binds to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, and it's possible, the thinking goes, that because losartan might block those receptors, it may prevent the virus from infecting cells. 

Read also: 17 natural ways to stop panic attacks

What can you do to prevent spread and protect yourself?

Make sure you wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Avoid close contact with sick people. If you think someone has a respiratory infection, it’s safest to stay 2 meters away.


Most people with common human coronavirus illness will recover on their own. However, you can do some things to relieve your symptoms
  • take pain and fever medications (Caution: do not give Aspirin to children)
  • use a room humidifier or take a hot shower to help ease a sore throat and cough
If you are mildly sick, you should
  • drink plenty of liquids
  • stay home and rest
  • Direct exposure to sunlight will naturally kill the virus (Vit. D)
  •  Garlic and lemon in hot water are natural antiviral medicine (Vit. C) 

If you are concerned about your symptoms, you should see your healthcare provider.