Coronavirus Treatment

By Dr. Brandon Colby MD, a medical expert specializing in personalized preventive medicine and clinical genomics.

COVID-19 treatment has evolved significantly since the start of the pandemic as scientists and healthcare providers have learned more about the virus and how it affects the body. This article summarizes the main treatment approaches that have been used and approved.

COVID-19 Treatment Options

Most people who contract COVID-19 recover, including many hospitalized patients with severe cases. Healthcare providers have several options when treating severe illness. The following summarizes how medical professionals have approached COVID-19 treatment.

Remdesivir (VEKLURY)

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the antiviral drug remdesivir in October 2020 for COVID-19 treatment. Clinical trials showed patients recovering more quickly with this treatment.

Monoclonal Antibody Treatments

Monoclonal antibody treatments, including bamlanivimab and the combination of casirivimab and imdevimab, were authorized under Emergency Use Authorization in the US for outpatient use. Clinical trials suggested a reduction in hospitalization and emergency room risk. These treatments need to be given intravenously as soon as symptoms develop. Note that authorization status and recommended use of specific monoclonal antibodies has changed as new variants emerged; consult current CDC guidance for the most up-to-date information.

Dexamethasone

The corticosteroid dexamethasone, an anti-inflammatory drug, has been used in COVID-19 treatment. Research published in a medical journal found a lower risk of death among COVID-19 patients treated with this drug. Medical experts believe the drug reduces the overreaction of the immune system, known as the cytokine storm, which can damage the lungs and other organs.

Supplemental Oxygen and Mechanical Ventilation

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) released COVID-19 treatment guidelines including supplemental oxygen by way of mechanical ventilation for patients whose oxygen levels decline significantly.

Convalescent Plasma

Convalescent plasma uses blood plasma from people who have recovered from COVID-19, which contains antibodies that can help fight the disease. A blood transfusion transfers the plasma to a person still fighting the illness to potentially decrease severity.

Supportive Care

Healthcare professionals recommend acetaminophen for fever and body aches. Antihistamines can relieve nasal congestion. Staying well hydrated and resting are also standard recommendations.

Symptoms of COVID-19

Early treatment can reduce outcome severity. Common symptoms to be aware of include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Seek medical care if symptoms develop, particularly if you are over 65 or have pre-existing medical conditions. For the most current treatment guidance, refer to the CDC website at cdc.gov.

Genetics and COVID-19 Treatment

Genetic testing can identify how a person may respond to certain medications, including treatments used for COVID-19. This field, known as pharmacogenomics, helps healthcare providers choose the right medication at the right dose and can reduce the risk of side effects. You can learn more about how genetics affects your response to medicine in the Education Center.

Additional Information About Coronavirus and DNA

Learn more about the connection between genetics and COVID-19 by reading Blood Type and COVID: Infection Risk and Severity and Where Can I Get My Blood Type Checked for Free.

About the Author

Dr. Brandon Colby MD is a US physician specializing in the personalized prevention of disease through the use of genomic technologies. He is an expert in genetic testing, genetic analysis, and precision medicine. Dr. Colby is the founder of Sequencing and the author of Outsmart Your Genes.

Dr. Colby holds an MD from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, an MBA from Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, and a degree in Genetics with Honors from the University of Michigan. He is an Affiliate Specialist of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), an Associate of the American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM), and a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC).