Treatments Available for COVID-19 Infection

Written by:  Luana Yoshikawa-Scanlan, MBA, PRIME. Photos from: (1)  https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/face-mask-with-painkillers-royalty-free-image/1218077734?utm_medium=organic&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=iptcurl (2)

     In addition to developing effective vaccines to protect us against the worst symptoms of COVID-19, amazing scientists created drugs to treat symptoms before they progress into life-threatening complications.

     There are two types of drug treatments approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or FDA: Veklury or remdesivir, an antiviral drug, for adults and some children. Commonly known as remdesivir, this drug is delivered through intravenous therapy or an IV. The second is Olumiant which helps the adult immune system fight infection when hospitalized with COVID-19.  These drugs are not substitutes for the COVID-19 vaccine, they simply provide additional support once you are infected and if you experience symptoms.

      There are several additional treatments approved under the national Emergency Use Authorization for public health emergencies such as a surge of COVID-19 infections.  Monoclonal antibody treatments for adults and children contain antibodies to fight infection. These come in pill form and IV therapy to reduce the risk of experiencing the most severe COVID symptoms.

     Prevention treatments include Evusheld; bebtelovimab is a monoclonal antibody treatment; oral antiviral therapies include Lagevrio, Paxlovid, and Renal Paxlovid.
As of May 23, 2022, the following therapeutics were reportedly in stock at the LBJ Hospital*:
Bebtelovimab                    Paxlovid               Lagevrio (molnupiravir)  Evusheld             
As of May 20, 2022, the following therapeutics were reportedly in stock at the Amouli Health Center*:
Bebtelovimab                    Paxlovid               Lagevrio (molnupiravir) 
*Source: https://covid-19-therapeutics-locator-dhhs.hub.arcgis.com/

     If you test positive for COVID-19, by either a health worker or using an at-home kit, you may be eligible for treatment. Visit your doctor to report symptoms you are experiencing. Based on your medical history, symptoms, and health risks you may receive treatment, or it may be determined that you are healthy enough to fight off the disease without treatment.  Most people experience mild, cold-like symptoms which go away on their own within days much like the common cold. Rest, lots of water, social distancing, and healthy foods support the immune system’s ability to fight the virus.
Again, treatment is not a substitute for vaccination. Vaccines protect you against severe symptoms that would put you in the hospital, and possible death. Treatments provide added support to the immune system to fight the virus. 
Resources:  
Visit the Department of Health’s Facebook page for daily updates on test, vaccination, and treatment sites: https://www.facebook.com/americansamoadoh 
or partner sites for more information:    https://www.facebook.com/ACTASONEamericansamoa
                                                                                https://www.facebook.com/AmericanSamoaAlliance
                https://omny.fm/shows/pacificmedianetwork/covid-19-messages-for-our-pacific-community