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COVID-19 is a new disease. For this reason, there are still no vaccines and drugs available that are effective against the coronavirus. Accordingly, questions arise about antibiotics. Can we take them to fight the coronavirus? Many myths have arisen around this topic, so we decided to focus on it.
The COVID-19 coronavirus is spread by airborne droplets. It spreads on saliva droplets when you sneeze or cough, getting into your mouth and nose. First, it attacks the upper respiratory tract. It may be asymptomatic in the first five days, but an infected person may spread the coronavirus further. After this time, it causes pneumonia, leading to acute respiratory failure. However, this is not always the case, as the COVID-19 coronavirus can also be asymptomatic or mild. This does not mean that the carrier will not infect other people.
- Find out more: How does the coronavirus attack the body?
Treatment of the COVID-19 coronavirus is not one of the easiest tasks, because it appeared relatively recently (in December 2019), so so far it has not been possible to create a vaccine or introduce appropriate pharmacotherapy that would be effective for a larger group of people. Doctors use knowledge about other coronaviruses (e.g. SARS) also affecting the respiratory system.
What drugs are used to treat COVID-19?
All available resources are used to treat the COVID-19 coronavirus. Some people are quarantined. They are given medications to minimize the characteristic symptoms (high fever, cough, shortness of breath). However, if this method does not help, they end up in an infectious ward. In acute pneumonia, a respirator should be used to support vital functions.
- Check also: What does SARS-CoV-2 look like?
Although there is a message that antibiotics help in the fight against the COVID-19 coronavirus, this information should be corrected. Antibiotics only work against bacteria. Moreover, they can only suppress the immune system, so taking antibiotics without a specific medical reason is irresponsible.
- Also read: Could I have contracted the coronavirus?
However, it should be remembered that the coronavirus can lead to bacterial superinfection. This is when the doctor can give the infected antibiotics. This information was provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), cracking down on all the myths surrounding the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Protection against the COVID-19 coronavirus is primarily about introducing preventive measures. One of them is the action #Zostajewdomu so that the virus does not spread. In addition, it is very important to wash your hands thoroughly with warm soapy water. It is also worth having a hand sanitizer with you.
Check out other information on the coronavirus as well:
- Coronavirus in Poland. Where to report when you have symptoms? Infectious wards list COVID-19 vaccine produced in tobacco leaves?
- Seniors and the coronavirus. Three questions for the geriatrician
Have a question about the coronavirus? Send them to the following address: [email protected]. You will find a daily updated list of answers HERE: Coronavirus – frequently asked questions and answers.