Can hydroxychloroquine help treat COVID-19?
Can hydroxychloroquine help treat COVID-19?
See full answerCurrent research suggests that hydroxychloroquine is not safe or effective for treating patients with COVID-19 (as of October 8, 2020). Early in the pandemic, patients may have received hydroxychloroquine under “Emergency Use Authorization,” but it did not reduce morbidity or mortality. The FDA announced a warning on using hydroxychloroquine on COVID-19 outside of the hospital setting due to the risk of heart rhythm problems (source). Hydroxychloroquine during this pandemic has taught scientists to be more cautious of using drugs as emergency treatments without evidence from trials (source). The best way to learn how to treat COVID-19 is to conduct randomized controlled clinical trials, but many hydroxychloroquine studies have been stopped early due to safety concerns.
What medications can be taken for COVID-19?
In terms of specifics: acetaminophen (Tylenol), naproxen (Aleve) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help lower your fever, assuming you don’t have a health history that should prevent you from using them. It’s usually not necessary to lower a fever – an elevated temperature is meant to help your body fight off the virus.
Do antibiotics work on COVID-19?
No. Antibiotics do not work against viruses; they only work on bacterial infections. Antibiotics do not prevent or treat COVID-19, because COVID-19 is caused by a virus, not bacteria. Some patients with COVID-19 may also develop a bacterial infection, such as pneumonia.
Are there supplements or medications to take to reduce the risk of getting COVID-19?
See full answerGreat question! No supplements or medications have been shown to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. Excessive intake of supplements can be harmful. Many drugs are being studied in clinical trials for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 but the results will take months.Follow these precautions to best prevent COVID-19:
- Avoid close contact with sick individuals
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
- Practice “social distancing” by staying home when possible and maintaining 6 feet of distance
- Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
What are some ways to improve the immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Exercising regularly – Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.Eating a healthy, balanced diet that is high in fruits and vegetables – Use the MyPlate technique to determine portions and types of healthy foods that are best for nourishing your army.
Is it safe to take Tylenol or Ibuprofen before a COVID-19 vaccine?
Because of the lack of high-quality studies on taking NSAIDs or Tylenol before getting a vaccine, the CDC and other similar health organizations recommend not taking Advil or Tylenol beforehand.
How long does it take to recover from COVID-19?
Fortunately, people who have mild to moderate symptoms typically recover in a few days or weeks.
What are some ways you can improve your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Getting quality sleep, eating nutritious meals, and managing your stress are meaningful ways to elevate your immune system.Sleep is one of the most important health behaviors for optimal immune function, mental and physical health, and quality of life.
Does zinc help fight the coronavirus disease?
There’s some evidence that zinc helps your body fight a cold, but scientists don’t know if it helps ease COVID-19 symptoms. There is no evidence that taking zinc will keep you from catching COVID-19.
