While there are vaccines available for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), that’s not the end of the story for the disease.
Scientists still need to determine effective treatment options for persons who have been infected. In line with that aim, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently given emergency authorization for the use of new treatments that use COVID-19 antibodies.
Here’s what you need to know about this treatment.
What Is The COVID-19 Antibody Treatment?
The COVID-19 treatment is based on what is known as monoclonal antibodies. In this type of treatment, your body’s immune system is boosted to fight the virus.
Basically, the antibodies bind to antigens in the body and strengthen the immune system to fight the specific invading pathogen. In the case of COVID-19, it would be a virus.
While it’s possible to get the antibodies of persons who have been infected with the virus, researchers are perfectly capable of creating them in a laboratory.
Are There Side Effects To This Treatment?
Based on how these drugs work, there are a few side effects that you need to know about.
These include fever, nausea, chills, fatigue, chest pain, difficulty breathing, an irregular heartbeat, headache, low or high blood pressure, throat pain, rash, and dizziness. In some cases, a severe allergic reaction can lead to anaphylactic shock.