A new treatment is improving the recovery of patients with the coronavirus (COVID-19). And this is good news.
More, it is called Remdesivir. And it is a wide spectrum antiviral. In fact, it was developed over a decade ago by Gilead Sciences. Also, patients receive it in a vein. And it is only available in a hospital.
The study was published May 22 in The New England Journal of Medicine.
More, it shows that it can shorten the recovery time by ~4 days.
Last, the FDA is permitting the treatment in some adult COVID-19 patients. But with limits.
There are key preventative steps everyone show follow to reduce the spread. Namely, to practice social distancing, regular hand washing, mask wearing and to avoid touching the face.
In fact, masks are key. And here are our key health messages on them:
Masks Telegraph a Key Health Message
A mask is a health message. Wearing one telegraphs an important health message.
A mask reminds the person wearing it that the virus is serious. It also reminds others of the same message, too. Please set a positive example for others. Wear a mask.
Masks Protect the Person Wearing the Mask
Masks help protect us from the virus. This is key.
Masks Protect Others, too
Masks also protect others if we have the virus. It can be days before symptoms appear. Yet, you could still spread it. Also, some people carry the virus but never experience symptoms themselves.
Please wear a mask. And encourage others, too
Photograph by Anna Shvets