Every day, the number of positive patients for the Corona virus is increasing. However, antivirals or vaccines to treat this virus have not yet been found. Researchers are still busy studying drugs that can treat infection with the Corona virus or COVID-19.
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Corona Virus or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a virus that attacks the respiratory system. This virus is very dangerous because it can cause pneumonia weight to death. Until now, no specific drug has been found that can fight this viral infection.
Even so, experts are still trying to find drug candidates that can be used to treat COVID-19. Some of them are drugs that have been used in the SARS and MERS outbreaks. Because the virus that causes it is from the same virus family, it is hoped that these drugs can also treat COVID-19.
However, keep in mind that the virus that causes COVID-19 is a new type of virus that is different from the coronavirus that causes SARS or MERS. Therefore, its efficacy or side effects in dealing with COVID-19 are not known for certain.
Drugs That Are Suspected To Cope With Corona Virus Infection
The following are some drugs that are thought to be able to overcome Corona virus infection or COVID-19:
Favipiravir
Favipiravir is an antiviral drug that is used to treat several types of influenza viruses that are classified as RNA viruses. One of them is influenza A virus that causes bird flu and swine flu.
This drug fights viruses by inhibiting the action of the RNA polymerase enzyme which plays a role in increasing the number of viruses. When this enzyme is inhibited, the virus cannot reproduce and the number in the body is reduced.
SARS-CoV-2 is also a type of RNA virus. That is why favipiravir is thought to be able to control the amount of virus in the body of COVID-19 sufferers, so that the patient's lung condition can improve.
There have been several studies showing the efficacy of this drug in reducing the number of viruses and accelerating the repair of the lungs of people with COVID-19. The drug trade mark from Russia, namely Avifavir, has received permission from BPOM for emergency use. The side effects are minimal. However, this type of drug should only be used as directed by a doctor and is not intended for pregnant women.
In addition, further clinical trials are still needed to establish favipiravir as an official drug to treat COVID-19.
Lopinavir-ritonavir
Lopinavir-ritonavir is an antiviral drug that is usually used to treat HIV and hepatitis C.
This drug has shown significant effectiveness against the virus that causes SARS, which comes from the same group of viruses as the virus that causes COVID-19, so it is hoped that it can be useful in dealing with COVID-19.
Unfortunately, so far, lopinavir-ritonavir has not shown any benefit for people with COVID-19. In addition, this drug combination causes far more side effects than other COVID-19 drugs.
Dexamethasone
This drug is a corticosteroid drug class that is used to treat inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and allergic reactions. Dexamethasone can also be used to reduce complaints due to side effects of chemotherapy.
Because it is anti-inflammatory, this drug can be used to prevent lung damage in COVID-19 patients. This drug is known to reduce mortality in COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms.
However, dexamethasone still cannot be used to kill the Corona virus in the body. This drug also did not show significant results when used in patients with Corona virus infection with mild symptoms.
Heparin
Heparin is a drug used to treat and prevent blood clots. This drug works by inhibiting the action of clotting factors, which are proteins that play a role in the blood clotting process. These drugs are also known as blood thinning drugs or anticoagulants.
Patients with COVID-19 can experience activation of the blood clotting process in their bodies. This can increase the risk of blockages in the blood vessels of the lungs. When the pulmonary blood vessels are blocked, the patient will be deprived of oxygen, and this can make the condition worse.
Therefore, heparin can be used for COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms and signs of blood clots. However, further research is still needed to determine official guidelines for the use of this drug in COVID-19 patients.
Apart from the drugs above, there are other drugs that have been tested to treat COVID-19 patients. Some of these are immunoglobulins, interferon alpha, and ribavirin. However, just like the drugs above, these three also still require further clinical trials.
So far, the therapy recommended by WHO is treatment according to the symptoms that arise and controlling inflammation that occurs in the body of people with COVID-19. In addition, efforts to increase endurance by providing nutrition and emotional support are also important.
In order not to be infected with the Corona virus, it is recommended that you take precautions. That way, the Corona virus does not easily enter your body and the spread of this virus also does not expand.
How to prevent it is to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and clean running water, wear a mask when you are sick or are near sick people, apply physical distancing, eating nutritious food, limiting traveling outside the house when there is no urgent need, and exercising regularly to keep the body in shape.
If you have been in a COVID-19 endemic area or have had contact with a person infected with the Corona virus in the last 14 days, and then have a fever accompanied by coughing or shortness of breath, do self-isolation and contact hotline COVID-19 at 119 Ext. 9 for further directions.
If you are still in doubt, use the Corona virus risk check feature provided by Alodokter for free to find out how likely it is that you have been infected with this virus.
If you need a consultation or direct examination from a doctor, you should not go directly to the hospital because it will increase the risk of contracting the Corona virus. You can chat directly with the doctor through the Alodokter application and tell about your condition.
If you really need a direct examination from a doctor, first make an appointment with a doctor at the hospital through the Alodokter application, so you can be directed to see the nearest doctor who can help you.