The latest on COVID-19 outpatient treatments: January 2022 update

Scientists have been busy. The FDA just approved several new treatments for COVID-19. This includes Paxlovid from Pfizer and Molnupiravir from Merck. These treatments can be taken within five days of symptom onset to reduce severity of illness. AstraZeneca also released a new injection called Evusheld, that is meant to be a preventive in individuals who did not mount an adequate immune response to the COVID-19 vaccine (i.e. immunocompromised patients) or who cannot take the vaccine for some reason. Prior to this, we already had monoclonal antibodies which are infusions that can be used to lessen illness severity, it taken within 10 days of symptom onset in individuals with confirmed infections. **What I should have mentioned in the video is that only one of the current brands of monoclonal antibodies (sotrovimab) appears to be effective against Omicron. This will be the preferred antibody product for the near future while we are in the Omicron surge.** While I'm excited we have some new treatment options available, these products are not meant to replace vaccines, masks and social distancing. This is information only and not meant to provide medical advice. If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, seek local medical attention. Also, availability will likely be very limited initially until production ramps up. Health systems will likely allocate medications to the highest risk patients as they become available. However, particularly if you are in a high risk group, it is helpful to know these options should become increasingly available over the next few months. #omicron #omicronvariant #covidnews #covidvaccine #covidbooster #covid #covid-19 #covid19 #covid_19 #covidfree #covidsafety #lung #lunghealth #healthylungs #medicalnews #mednews #covidlungs #medicalresearch #covidresearch #covid19research #preventocorona #preventcovid19 #cures #biomedical #biomed #medicalalert #medicalnotes #scientificresearch #sciencenews #coronavirus #corona #coronavirusnews #covid19news #covidcures #merck #astrazeneca #pfizer