What is Remdesivir?
Remdesivir is developed by Gilead Sciences Inc. for an investigational broad-spectrum antiviral treatment. This drug is a synthetic molecule in the antiviral class of medications targeting RNA synthesis. The molecule looks a lot like DNA nucleoside. The virus that causes the disease is an RNA virus. RNA is the molecular transcription tool organisms used to build proteins using DNA instructions. RNA viruses are dependent on an RNA polymerase enzyme growth the RNA chain. By some metabolic processes, Remdesivir substitutes itself for essential elements needed by the polymerase. It could inhibit replication of the coronaviruses that cause severe infections in human lung cells. It has also demonstrated in vitro and in vivo activity against the viral pathogens that cause SARS and MERS. These are coronaviruses that are structurally similar to SARS-CoV-2 which is known as COVID-19.
What is the dosage for Remdesivir?
The dosing regimen under study of this drug for COVID-19 is an initial one-time dose of 200 mg. It is followed by 100 mg per day to complete a 10-day course. Remdesivir is administered intravenously by injection.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 stands for Coronavirus Disease 2019 which is first identified in Wuhan, China. A coronavirus is a virus found in animals and rarely can be transmitted from animals to humans. Symptoms may include:
⦁ Shortness of breath
⦁ Cough
⦁ Fever
The symptoms range from mild to severe. It takes 2-14 days after exposure for symptoms to develop.
The coronavirus disease can be spread by contact with certain bodily fluids like droplets in a cough. It can also be by touching something by an infected person and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. That is why it is very important to practice social and physical distancing. Avoid people who are sick or meeting in large groups. Wash your hands frequently with water and soap for at least 20 seconds especially after coughing or sneezing, before eating, or after going to the bathroom. If water and soap are not available, you may use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Because the COVID-19 has already spread to other countries, almost worldwide.
Here are the things you should do to avoid catching the infection if you are at high risk:
⦁ By not going out or leaving your home to do shopping, exercise, or pick up medicine
⦁ Stay at least 2 meters or 3 steps away from other people in your home as much as possible
Coronavirus Disease can make anyone seriously ill. But, some people are at a higher risk. You may be at high risk if you:
⦁ have had an organ transplant
⦁ are having certain types of cancer treatments
⦁ have blood or bone marrow
⦁ have a severe lung condition
⦁ have a condition that makes you much more likely to get infections
⦁ are pregnant and have serious heart disease
⦁ are taking medicine that weakens your immune system
