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Dr. Omar P. Haqqani
Dr. Omar P. Haqqani
Dr. Omar P. Haqqani
Dr. Omar P. Haqqani
The existing emergency use authorization (EUA) for the drug Veklury (remdesivir) now includes all hospitalized adult and pediatric patients with suspected or laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. Prior to the decision by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) its use among hospitalized patients was limited to the most severe cases.
Additionally, with the 2020-2021 flu season approaching, it is more important than ever to get vaccinated. There are two new vaccines available for the current season.
The broadened parameters of remdesivir use
Prior to the recent expansion of the EUA regarding remdesivir, physicians were limited to administering it to patients with very severe cases of COVID-19. They included those on ventilators or with low blood-oxygen levels. Additionally, COVID-19 patients receiving oxygen therapy also qualified. It is now available to all hospitalized adult and pediatric patients with suspected or laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, based upon the physician's recommendation. The severity of illness no longer is a stipulation.
The decision to allow remdesivir to be used in non-severe cases was reached after two separate clinical trials showed shortened recovery time in some patients. In certain cases, the time those who received remdesivir either were either released from the hospital or remained in the hospital without requiring additional oxygen or continual care was shortened from fifteen to ten days. Other recovery times were measured in a separate study that showed improvement, as well.
What remdesivir does
Remdesivir is classified as an antiviral because it helps prevent the spread of the virus throughout the body. It does not definitively treat COVID-19. The encouraging results of the clinical trials showed reduced recovery time in some individuals but each person who contracts the coronavirus infection may respond differently.
Originating in powder form, the antiviral is mixed with liquid and is usually injected daily over a five- to ten-day period. The length of treatment depends on the body's response.
Possible symptoms and risks
Symptoms may occur during the 30- to 120-minute infusion of remdesivir. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), they could include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, chills or shortness of breath. Slow heartbeat or swelling of the face, throat or tongue may also occur.
Long-term side effects noted by FDA include inflammation or damage to liver cells and low blood pressure, an infusion-related possibility.
Flu vaccine recommended for upcoming season
With the presence of the COVID-19 pandemic, flu shots are extremely important. During the 2018-2019 flu season, CDC estimated that 35.5 million people were infected, resulting in almost 500,000 hospitalizations and over 34,000 deaths. The causes for flu and COVID-19 are not the same. Flu infection comes from influenza viruses while COVID-19 is the result of a specific coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2.
While the viruses that cause flu and COVID-19 are different, there are some similar symptoms. Common to both are soar throat, breathing difficulty, and muscle soreness. Cough, headache and fatigue may also appear with each condition.
Differing symptoms specific to COVID -19 may include a change or loss in taste and smell. Another difference could be in the time it takes for symptoms to appear. Flu symptoms may appear within one- to four-days. COVID-19 symptoms may manifest in as little as two days after infection but could also appear as late as fourteen days later.
If symptoms arise that cause concern, tests should be administered. Individual flu and COVID-19 exist but a new test for both at the same time has also been developed.
The best time for flu vaccination is now
September and October are the recommended best times for flu vaccination. If not taken during those months, vaccination is still recommended if the flu virus is still circulating.
Ask Dr. Haqqani
If you have questions about your cardiovascular health, including heart, blood pressure, stroke lifestyle and other issues, we want to answer them. Please submit your questions to Dr. Haqqani by e-mail at questions@vascularhealthclinics.org.
Dr. Omar P. Haqqani is the chief of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at Vascular Health Clinics in Midland: www.vascularhealthclinics.org
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Dr. Haqqani: Expanded use of remdesivir; flu shots still important - Midland Daily News
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