COVID-19 is a contagious disease which is caused by a virus named coronavirus discovered in China. There is not any fixed confirmed medicine or vaccine discovered for treatment. The treatment procedures are done according to the various symptoms of patients. Antibiotics are also proving to be ineffective as COVID-19 is not a bacterial infection but a viral infection.
For symptoms which are severe in condition, the supportive treatments can be given. It includes:
- Giving fluids which minimize the chances of dehydration
- Providing medicines for reducing fever
- Facilitating supplemental oxygen in the cases which are severe
People having serious breathing difficulties due to disease of COVID-19 may have a need of a respirator or ventilator.
Some of the drugs used to treat the patients are:
Chloroquine
Chloroquine is a medicine brought in use to fight autoimmune diseases and malaria. It has been used for 70 and more years and is also considered to be safe. After doing studies in test tubes, it is discovered that chloroquine is effective and efficient in fighting this virus.
Kaletra
Ritonavir and lopinavir are the drugs which are sold as Kaletra. These drugs are produced to cure HIV. According to WHO (World Health Organization), this drug in combination with other drugs can benefit in treating COVID-19.
Remdesivir
Remdesivir is a drug used to fight Ebola. It is an antiviral drug which is experimental and has broad spectrum. It is found by researchers that in isolated cells, this drug is impressively effective at combating coronavirus.
The use of this drug is yet to get approval in humans, but it has been tested twice in China. One of the tests also got the approval of FDA in US.
At present, chloroquine is the most effective and is progressively being used in combating COVID-19.
To fully conquer this disease, proper preventive measure like wearing face masks, washing hands with sanitizer or soap oftenly, etc. should be taken. The chain of community transmission can be stopped by contact tracing and mass testing. People should follow social distancing and follow all the medical advisories given by experts.
