COVID-19

Because COVID-19 is such a new disease, there is no cure and few treatment options are available, especially outside of a hospital setting. Mild cases of COVID-19 can be treated with pain medicine such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, cough medicine, rest, and fluid intake. In more severe cases, hospitalization may be required along with supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation. The FDA has given emergency approval to treat COVID-19 with drugs called Remdesivir and Baricitinib but only in hospital settings. Corticosteroids such as Dexamethasone may also be given. Convalescent plasma containing COVID-19 antibodies may also be given to patients in a hospital setting. If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 through a throat or nasopharyngeal swab, it is important to self-isolate to avoid spreading the disease to anyone else. It is also important to remember that some individuals can be asymptomatic carriers of the virus.

Prevention

The best way to prevent COVID-19 is to avoid close contact with other individuals by maintaining a distance of at least 6ft, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, clean and disinfect surfaces daily, wash your hands with soap and water regularly for 40-60 seconds or use an alcohol rub that contains at least 60% alcohol, avoid large groups, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and to stay at home if you feel sick. It is also important to wear a mask or face covering when going out in public. To prevent COVID-19, you may also receive an FDA emergency approved vaccination such as Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, etc. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding smoking is also important in preventing COVID-19.