Since the onset of the coronavirus outbreak, many theories and myths have circulated about how to beat the COVID‑19 virus. Unfortunately, almost every single one has been proven false or has no scientific evidence to support the claims made.
It's important to state that there are no specific treatments that cure COVID-19. Any information saying otherwise is false, and you should disregard it. This is a novel pathogen and, as such, has no known treatment. Antibiotics do not help, since they do not work against viruses; all available treatment options are therapeutic in nature to help deal with the symptoms as your body fights the infection.
So, what does science have to say about our options when it comes to both treatment and prevention?
Current Treatment Options for COVID‑19
If you have become ill due to the coronavirus, one thing we can say with certainty is that you'll need to stay in isolation away from other people until you've recovered.
If you have mild symptoms of the coronavirus, you should aid your body's recovery by:
- Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated (your urine should be pale/clear)
- Getting adequate rest
- Staying virtually connected to family and friends to help avoid feeling low or lonely
Future Treatment Options for COVID‑19
The most likely treatment for COVID‑19 will arrive in the form of a vaccine. But that is at least 12 months away, if not longer. The CDC has approved multiple clinical trials of drugs, such as Remdesivir and Hydroxychloroquine, but the results of those trials will also take months to analyze. Until then, treatment will remain therapeutic to help manage associated symptoms.
How to Prevent Exposure to COVID‑19
While there is no known treatment for COVID‑19, there are plenty of prevention strategies that are already proven to reduce the chances of contracting the disease.
By taking the following preventative steps as advised by the CDC, you can significantly reduce your chances of getting sick:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care (use telemedicine when possible)
- Strengthen your immune system with proven immunity-enhancing treatments
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol‑based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces (e.g., countertops, light switches, doorknobs, etc)
- Launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely
- When in public, wear a cloth facial covering that covers your mouth and nose, such as a scarf or mask
- Maintain at least 6 feet between you and other individuals when outside of your home
- If you must return to a physical work environment, encourage your employer to test employees
Next Steps to Minimize Your Risk of Infection
Remember to follow the CDC guidelines and ignore medical advice that doesn't appear from either the WHO or CDC.
If you’d like to shore up your own immune response so that you don't suffer adverse effects should you contract the virus, our Immune Boost Injectable and immunity test kit are ideal solutions.
If you’d like more information regarding individual and workplace coronavirus testing to minimize risks associated with exposure as our country reopens, learn more about our Workplace Health COVID‑19 testing services.
