Tag

Antiviral Medication

All articles tagged with #antiviral medication

health1 year ago

"Quick Tips for Getting Rid of a Cold Sore"

Up to 80% of American adults have the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), which can cause cold sores, and experts recommend treating them right away with over-the-counter antiviral ointments or creams, considering home remedies like apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, and honey, building up the immune system with vitamin C and L-Lysine, seeing a doctor for prescription antiviral medication if necessary, and following best practices such as avoiding touching or picking at the sore, keeping lips moisturized, and avoiding acidic foods and sun exposure.

health1 year ago

"Understanding the Transmission Risk of Anti-Herpes Drugs"

A reader is concerned about contracting herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) after a sexual encounter with a partner who is on antiviral medication. Dr. Keith Roach explains that the risk of transmission is reduced but not eliminated by the medication and brief exposure, and recommends using condoms. He also addresses concerns about artificial sweeteners for people with Type 2 diabetes, noting that there is no clear benefit of using natural sweeteners over synthetic ones. Additionally, he shares a success story of diagnosing takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a reader and provides advice on various personal issues in his column.

health1 year ago

"Shingles: A Surprising Risk for Younger Adults"

A woman in her late 40s shares her experience of contracting shingles, a painful condition caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, despite believing she was too young for it. Initially mistaking the symptoms for a nerve issue, she eventually received a diagnosis and started antiviral medication, but continues to suffer from intense pain. She urges people over 50 to get the shingles vaccine and advises those with vulnerable immune systems or high stress levels to consider discussing vaccination options with their healthcare providers.

health2 years ago

"Understanding the Controversy: Paxlovid and COVID Treatment"

Pfizer's antiviral medication Paxlovid gained full FDA approval for treating mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms, with a registered nurse advising that it should be taken within five days of diagnosis or at the onset of symptoms. Patients with certain risk factors, such as organ damage or specific medications, should avoid Paxlovid, and potential side effects include hives, trouble breathing, and increased blood pressure. While vaccination remains crucial, Paxlovid is now commercially available, and Pfizer offers programs for affordable access.

health2 years ago

"Paxlovid: Understanding the Covid Treatment Option"

Paxlovid, an antiviral medication, has been found to significantly reduce the risk of death in high-risk Covid-19 patients. It consists of two medications that work together to stop the virus from replicating in the body. Anyone 12 or older who is considered high-risk, which includes a broad range of conditions, is a good candidate for Paxlovid. Despite its effectiveness, few people are taking the medication, possibly due to lack of awareness or concerns about potential rebound cases of Covid-19.

health2 years ago

'Normalizing HIV: Breaking Stigma and Promoting Understanding'

Victoria Roscow, a woman living with HIV, is using social media to challenge the stigma surrounding the virus and encourage others to see it as just another health condition. Diagnosed when she was nine-weeks-pregnant, Roscow initially thought it was a "death sentence," but antiviral medication now allows her to live a normal life with a normal life expectancy. By sharing her experiences, she hopes to help people accept their diagnoses and not let HIV define them. Roscow emphasizes that HIV should be viewed without sordid connotations and that she is just another normal person living with a manageable health condition.

health2 years ago

"Betrayed: My Partner's HIV Denial Led to My Positive Test"

A woman who recently tested positive for HIV after dating a man who denied being HIV-positive seeks advice on how to inform her family. Dear Abby advises her to first consult with a physician to start antiviral medication and ensure her partner does the same. Once treatment has begun, she can inform her family, who may understandably want her to distance herself from the person who failed to disclose his HIV status and infected her.

health2 years ago

"Expanding Access to Paxlovid: A Game-Changer for Young and Healthy Covid Patients"

There is a growing debate about whether more young, healthy individuals should be prescribed Paxlovid, the most effective antiviral medication for treating outpatient COVID-19 infections. Currently, Paxlovid is recommended for high-risk individuals, such as those over 65 or with certain chronic medical conditions. However, there is evidence suggesting that the drug could have benefits for healthier people, including shortening the course of illness, reducing transmissibility, and lowering the risk of long COVID. While there is no large clinical trial specifically studying the benefits of Paxlovid in low-risk individuals, preliminary data and smaller studies indicate that the drug could be beneficial in this population. Some experts argue that even a one-day reduction in symptoms could be meaningful for individuals, and prescribing Paxlovid off-label to low-risk patients could be justified.

science-and-medicine2 years ago

Molnupiravir: A Warning of Unexpected Mutations in Global SARS-CoV-2 Genomes

A study published in Nature reveals that the antiviral medication molnupiravir, widely used against SARS-CoV-2, induces mutations in the virus genome during replication. The study finds evidence of molnupiravir mutagenesis in SARS-CoV-2 sequencing databases, with a specific mutational signature characterized by a high proportion of G-to-A and C-to-T mutations. These mutations appear predominantly in sequences from 2022, after the introduction of molnupiravir treatment, and in countries and age-groups with widespread usage of the drug. The study confirms a direct association between these mutations and the use of molnupiravir, raising concerns about the potential for onward transmission of molnupiravir-mutated viruses.

health2 years ago

Understanding the Paxlovid Rebound Phenomenon

Paxlovid rebound is a phenomenon where patients who have taken the antiviral medication for COVID-19 may experience a recurrence of symptoms or test positive again after initially recovering. This rebound can occur two to eight days after completing the five-day course of Paxlovid. It is important to note that COVID-19 rebound can happen with or without the use of Paxlovid. The exact prevalence of Paxlovid rebound is not known, but it is estimated to affect around 10% of Paxlovid users. While most cases of Paxlovid rebound do not lead to severe illness, individuals experiencing a recurrence of symptoms should consult their doctor and consider taking another COVID-19 test. It is recommended to isolate oneself to prevent the spread of the virus.

science-and-technology2 years ago

Unveiling COVID's Achilles' heel: Scientists identify key proteins for infection

Scientists at UC Riverside have discovered that COVID-19 relies on key human proteins for its replication. The virus takes advantage of a post-translational process called SUMOylation, which directs the virus' N protein to the right location for packaging its genome after infecting human cells. By blocking access to these human proteins, it may be possible to prevent the virus from infecting people. This finding could lead to the development of a new class of antiviral medications that target not only COVID-19 but also other viruses such as the flu, RSV, and Ebola.

health2 years ago

Navigating Life After Testing Positive for COVID-19

As COVID-19 cases rise again, it's important to know what to do if you test positive or are exposed to the virus. If you test positive, the CDC recommends isolating for at least five days, wearing a high-quality mask, and avoiding contact with others. High-risk individuals should consider antiviral medication. If you've been exposed, wear a mask, monitor for symptoms, and get tested. Cancel plans if a friend tests positive and help them by leaving groceries outside their door. Stay informed about COVID-19 resources, including isolation period calculators, testing centers, and access to antiviral medication.

health2 years ago

Pfizer's Paxlovid gains full FDA approval for Covid-19 treatment.

The FDA has granted full approval to Paxlovid, an antiviral medication used to treat mild to moderate Covid-19 in adults at risk of severe infections. Paxlovid is a combination of two medications, nirmatrelvir and ritonavir, taken together as pills for five days within the first five days of a person’s Covid-19 symptoms. In clinical trials, Paxlovid reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 86% compared with a placebo in people at risk for severe disease. The FDA warns that Paxlovid has interactions with many other types of medications and should only be used to treat Covid-19.

health2 years ago

Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong tests positive for Covid-19 after Africa trip.

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has tested positive for Covid-19 after returning from state visits to South Africa and Kenya. He has been advised to self-isolate until he is asymptomatic and has been prescribed an antiviral medication due to his age. Singapore is currently coming off an April peak in Covid-19 infections, and only about half of people aged 60 and above have kept up-to-date with their vaccinations.

health2 years ago

Russian Prisoners with HIV Choose War for Lifesaving Drugs

Russian prisoners with HIV are choosing to fight in Ukraine's war in exchange for antiviral medication, as they claim they are deprived of effective treatments in Russian prisons. About 20% of recruits in Russian prisoner units are HIV positive, and serving on the front lines seems less risky than staying in prison. Those with HIV or hepatitis C were forced to identify their status in a very public manner by wearing red or white rubber wristbands, signifying they had either disease, both widespread in the Russian prison system.