All articles tagged with #antiviral treatments
Research suggests that the herpes simplex virus type 1, which causes cold sores, may play a significant role in the development of Alzheimer's disease by reactivating in the brain and causing damage, especially in individuals with certain genetic risk factors. Preventative measures like vaccines and antiviral treatments could potentially reduce the risk of Alzheimer's.
Researchers suggest that long COVID may be driven by the persistence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the body, rather than just remnants. This viral persistence could explain ongoing symptoms and the emergence of new variants. While definitive proof of live virus persistence is lacking, recent studies indicate a strong correlation between persistent viral RNA and long COVID. The findings highlight the need for antiviral trials and public health measures to reduce infection rates and raise awareness about long COVID's risks across all age groups.
The new coronavirus variant KP.2, part of the Omicron family, has become the dominant strain in the U.S. It is highly contagious but does not cause more severe disease, and existing vaccines and treatments remain effective. Symptoms are similar to other Covid-19 infections, and home tests are still reliable. High-risk individuals should consider antiviral treatments, and updated vaccines expected in the fall may offer better protection. The CDC recommends isolating until fever-free for 24 hours and symptoms improve, with additional precautions for five days.
After testing positive for Covid-19, a CNN editor shares their experience and emphasizes the importance of having a plan in the event of infection. Dr. Leana Wen advises that getting vaccinated reduces the risk of severe illness and recommends seeking antiviral treatments for high-risk individuals. She also provides guidance on testing, isolation, and precautions for those who test positive for Covid-19, emphasizing the need to protect oneself and others from the virus.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified a protein called CCZ1 that plays a crucial role in the infection and spread of Ebola and Marburg viruses within the body. Researchers discovered that CCZ1 is essential for these viruses to infect human liver cells and blood vessels. The study utilized advanced stem cell libraries and laboratory-grown mini-organs to investigate how the viruses infect human blood vessels and liver organoids. The findings have the potential to lead to new treatments for Ebola and Marburg viruses, and the research platform used in the study can be applied to investigate other viral infections and develop new antiviral drugs.
A study analyzing prescribing data from nursing homes revealed that a low percentage of elderly residents with COVID-19 received antiviral treatments, including the highly effective Paxlovid pill from Pfizer. Only about 25% of residents were prescribed any antiviral medication between May 2021 and December 2022, despite Paxlovid being widely available. The underuse of Paxlovid in nursing homes likely resulted in avoidable mortality. Challenges with supply, prescribing guidance, and clinician familiarity with antiviral treatments may have contributed to the low usage. Facilities with geriatricians and non-profit organizations performed better in administering antivirals, while Medicaid recipients and non-White residents received the drugs at lower rates.
Latent viruses, which lie dormant in the human body, can increase the risk of all-cause mortality. These viruses, such as cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, human papillomavirus, and herpes simplex virus, may not show any signs of infection but silently cause organ failure. COVID-19 can reactivate certain latent viruses, highlighting the importance of addressing them. A simple blood test can identify hidden viruses, and antiviral treatments have shown effectiveness against several viruses. Controlling latent viruses could potentially help people live longer.