COVID-19 is Still Here: How You Can Protect Yourself

Approximately 84 million Americans have been infected with COVID-19 since the pandemic started. In most areas of the country, things are returning slowly to normal, and new cases are at lower levels. At the same time, the U.S. recently reached 1 million COVID-19-related deaths showing us the resilience of this virus. COVID-19 is still here. Here’s how you can protect yourself.

COVID-19 Treatment and Vaccine Update

There are currently two FDA-approved vaccines, the Pfizer and Spikevax Moderna vaccines. However, the Janssen vaccine remains under emergency use authorization (EUA). The FDA can authorize the use of unapproved treatments or unapproved uses of medical products during public health emergencies. . This is called an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Below is an update on current treatments for COVID-19:

• FDA Approved Therapies:

o The antiviral drug Veklury (remdesivir) is approved for adults and certain pediatric patients with COVID-19. This is an intravenous therapy (IV).

o Olumiant is an immune modulator (baricitinib) approved for certain hospitalized adults with COVID-19.

• Treatments Under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA):

o Paxlovid and Lagevrio (molnupiravir) are two antiviral pills authorized for emergency use for patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19, with a high risk of developing severe disease including hospitalization and death.

o There are several monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID-19 that are under EUA. Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made and used for the treatment and prevention (prophylaxis) of COVID-19 in some adults and pediatric patients. These substitute antibodies can help your immune system recognize and respond more effectively to the virus. They also make it more difficult for the virus to reproduce and cause harm.

Protecting Yourself Against COVID-19

In most cases, it’s fair to say that COVID-19 infections can be managed at home under your doctor's direction. While a little over half of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated, this is one of the many reasons fueling the remaining individuals' hold out. Regardless of the reasoning, it’s still a dangerous gamble with new variants emerging in increasing numbers and how much we still need to learn about the long-term effects of COVID-19. Here are some of the CDC recommendations to protect yourself and others against COVID-19:

• Get your vaccine series and any available boosters. Data continues to show available vaccines are very effective at preventing severe disease. As we learn more about emerging variants, additional protections are added to new batches of vaccines and boosters.

• If infected with COVID-19, talk to your doctor ASAP about available treatments and follow current quarantine guidelines.

• In densely populated areas or events, wear a mask, wash your hands, or sanitize them frequently.

• Self-test if you’re feeling symptomatic or have recent exposure to someone infected.

As the COVID-19 virus continues evolving, so does our knowledge of it and the need for effective vaccines and treatments. Rainier Clinical Research Center has COVID-19 studies enrolling now looking into potential new treatments and vaccines. To learn more, contact us toll-free at 888-478-8343 or visit our website today!

Sources:

https://www.modernhealthcare.com/government/fauci-pandemic-phase-over-us-covid-19-still-here

https://covid19.nih.gov/treatments-and-vaccines

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/know-your-treatment-options-covid-19

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