Monoclonal antibodies are manmade proteins that attach to COVID-19 and prevent it from entering human cells. They can help persons with COVID-19 avoid hospitalisation and reduce symptoms. They work – former President Donald Trump took monoclonal antibodies when he had coronavirus.
Dr David Thrasher is internal medicine and lung disease specialist in Montgomery. Dr Thrasher was on the front lines of treating COVID-19 patients during the epidemic, and he addressed several frequently asked questions concerning monoclonal antibodies.
Who can receive monoclonal antibodies?
“What I want to do when somebody calls me or texts me and says ‘I’ve got it,’ and they want to tell me when they tested positive, I don’t really care. I really want to know when the first symptom was. I’ve got 10 days from symptom one to get you treated. If you treat it after that, it’s too late.
“So if I can get you in that room in first five days, that’s ideal.”
“Once you get the hospital, I don’t have a lot of bullets in my gun. If I keep if I can get you early and keep you out of the hospital. That’s our best bet.
If your BMI is not what is considered on the BMI range to be “healthy,” do you still qualify?
“You have to be 25 or over on your BMI … So most people will qualify and you really want to encourage them to be proactive.”
How long do you need to wait between when you get this treatment and when you get vaccinated?
“30 days.”
Are there any worries about getting other illnesses from the treatment?
“No, it’s very well tolerated. You have fever aches a little bit, but you will be having those with COVID too.”
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