A Japanese flu drug is being studied by the medical authorities in China that is “an effective drug” in treating the disease called Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
COVID-19 has the symptoms of:
⦁ Tiredness
⦁ Fever
⦁ Dry cough
Some patients may also experience:
⦁ Diarrhea
⦁ Sore throat
⦁ Runny nose
⦁ Nasal congestion
⦁ Aches and pains
Some people don’t develop any symptoms or don’t feel any unwell and get infected. This disease spread from person to person. It may be through small droplets from the one who is infected through sneezing or coughing. This is the reason why “1 meter or 3 feet distance” is important these days especially on infected people, even in people who are not sick.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. COVID-19 is first identified in Wuhan, China. Coronavirus is named for its appearance. Under the microscope, the virus looks like they are covered with a pointed structure that surrounds them like corona or crown. Several coronaviruses reasons for respiratory infections which ranges from the common cold to more severe illnesses. These diseases include Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Here are some tips;
⦁ Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
⦁ Wash your hands often with water and soap for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, sneezing, or coughing.
⦁ If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
⦁ Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
⦁ If surfaces are dirty, clean them soap or detergent and water before disinfection.
⦁ Wear face mask f you are sick or you are around other people. If you are not able to wear a face mask, then you should cover when you sneeze or cough.
What is the Flu Drug and its effectiveness?
The drug is Favipiravir which was first approved in Japan (2014) to treat cases of influenza. This is an antiviral drug being developed by Toyama Chemical of Japan with activity against many RNA viruses. According to their study, this drug has shown good clinical efficacy against COVID-19. Results showed that patients who received Favipiravir turned negative for the virus in a shorter time.
Favipiravi’s anti-viral agent that selectively and potently inhibits the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of RNA viruses.
Infected patients who were given the drug in Wuhan and Shenzhen tested negative for the virus after a median of 4 days. Researchers also found that the lung condition improved in about 91% of the patients who were given the drug.
How they used Favipiravir?
There are 35 people who have given 1,600 mg of Favipiravir twice in separate doses plus inhaled interferon on day one of their test. The dosage is reduced to 600 mg twice each day and kept taking inhaled interferon on day two. The result has given them an average of 4 days where patients who took Favipiravir cleared the virus. But, they have said that the drug is not as effective in people with severe symptoms.
