+ What drugs are currently approved for the treatment of COVID-19?
Currently, only one drug has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Remdesivir (Veklury®) has been shown to treat hospitalized patients with COVID-19 infection.
+ What should I do if I catch COVID-19?
Treatment for COVID-19 depends on the severity of your symptoms. Vaccines or special vaccines are not recommended if you are not hospitalized or do not need supplemental oxygen. Some people may also benefit from monoclonal antibody injections.
However, if you are in the hospital and cannot take remdesivir, you can get the corticosteroid dexamethasone (or any other steroid) or dexamethasone alone or IV remdesivir with or without contains dexamethasone.
Depending on the severity of your COVID condition, you may need:
- Supplemental oxygen (given through a tube in the nose).
Mechanical ventilation (oxygenation through a tube inserted into the trachea). Medicines are given to help you feel better and sleep longer as long as you get oxygen from the inhaler.
- Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO). You also get medical attention when the vacuum is removed from your body. It supports the functioning of lungs and heart in the body.
+ What vaccines are used in the later stages of development to prevent COVID-19?
The Food and Drug Administration has issued an emergency use permit for three coronavirus vaccines. Pfizer and Modern are given in two doses. For maximum protection, it is important that you receive both doses of the vaccine. Pfizer faxes are given at 21-day intervals and can be used by people 5 years of age and older. Moderna doses are given 28 days apart and can be used by people aged 18 and over. Both faxes are very efficient.
+ Can vaccinated people still get COVID-19?
No vaccine is 100% effective. In fact, breakthroughs are expected (if tested positive for COVID-19 more than two weeks after complete vaccination). Faxes can reduce the risk of infection. The risk of serious illness or death due to a breakthrough infection is extremely low.
+ If I'm approved for COVID-19 and don't need to stay in the hospital, what can I do to better manage my symptoms at home?
If you have mild symptoms of COVID-19, you may need to take care of your health at home. Follow these instructions:
- If you have a fever, drink plenty of fluids (preferably water), rest, and take acetaminophen.
- When coughing, lie down or sit on your side (do not lie on your back). Add a tablespoon of honey to hot tea or hot water (do not give honey to children under 1 year old). Gargle with salt water. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice on over-the-counter health products such as cough suppressants and cough medicine/drops. Help a friend or family member find the medicine they need. You must stay at home.
- If you have trouble breathing, try to get enough rest. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose and exhale slowly through closed lips (as if you are slowly blowing out a candle). If you have trouble breathing, call 911.
If you have a mild case of COVID-19, you might start to feel better within a few days to a week. If you think your symptoms are getting worse, call your doctor.