Treatment of Coronavirus

As yet, there are no is no cure or vaccine for COVID-19. Antibiotics do not work against viruses. Research is underway to develop a vaccine to treat the spread of coronavirus.  

Treatment is focused on managing the symptoms of the coronavirus. 

How are Corona Viruses treated?

Other examples of corona viruses such as SARS and MERS were also treated by the proper management of symptoms. In some cases, experimental treatments were tested to see whether they could offer an effective solution for eradicating the pandemics. 

Examples of treatments used for these corona viruses include:

• antiviral or retroviral medications
• breathing support, such as ventilation 
• steroids to reduce swollen lungs
• blood plasma transfusions

No cure or vaccine was ever discovered for either pandemic however authorities managed to contain both. 

How to manage COVID-19

Whilst there isn’t a cure for COVID-19, the WHO has issued advice on how to try and beat the virus. Continuing to practice healthy habits will lessen a person’s chances of contracting a severe strand of the virus. Furthermore, the healthier a person is, the stronger their immune system is likely to be. A functioning immune system makes it easier for the human body to stave off the virus. 

People can maintain a healthy lifestyle by sleeping, remaining active and upholding a nutritious diet packed with immunity-boosting foods. Individuals can consult advice from their own government in terms of exercising outdoors. Those who remain under stringent lockdown orders should try their best to exercise at home. 

Mental health should be protected. Individuals are encouraged to share any concerns they have relating to the coronavirus. Those who feel overwhelmed or suffer from depression or anxiety can reach out to a local councilor.

And of course, everyone should uphold the advice in regard to social distancing and self-isolation. 

Development of a COVID-19 Vaccine

Health authorities are currently working on the development of a COVID-19 vaccine. Existing vaccines that are being used to aid research are live vaccines, inactive vaccines and those that are genetically engineered.

• Live vaccines

There is an existing system in place to create live vaccines. Such vaccines have already been developed to shield people against the likes of smallpox, measles and rubella. 

Live vaccines use a weakened form of the bacteria that causes a disease. They prompt the immune system to respond to the bacteria which fights off the disease. Live virus vaccines require an extensive testing process and are not always suitable for those with weakened immune systems.

• Inactivate vaccines

These types of vaccines use an inactive version of the bacteria instead. They prompt a response from the immune system without causing an infection. Inactivate vaccines are uses to prevent rabies, hepatitis A and the seasonal flu. 

Inactivated vaccines do not always provide protection that is as resilient as live vaccines. This type of vaccine often requires multiple doses (and boosters) to provide long-term immunity. 

• Genetically engineered vaccines

Genetically engineered RNA or DNA may be used to create copies of the S protein, which lead to an immune response from the attacking virus. As yet, no genetically engineered vaccines have been approved for human use.