What you need to know about Monoclonal Antibody

Monoclonal Antibody treatment currently is the most effective treatment for COVID 19. These have been available for treatment for almost a year now.  They can reduce the risk of  hospitalization or death from COVID by 70 percent. Despite this, not too many people know just what it is.  These man made antibodies are directed against the spike protein of the virus and prevent the virus from infecting cells in your body. To be effective this treatment needs to be given as early as possible after testing positive and having mild to moderate symptoms. They are also effective if you are exposed to COVID 19. This can be especially important if you are not vaccinated.   If you become more sick, require high amounts of oxygen or have had symptoms for more than ten days the medicine becomes less effective. You can also qualify for the treatment if you are obese, have heart disease, hypertension, diabetes or other chronic medical  conditions. This is an IV medicine that usually is given over one hour. The medicine is usually well tolerated.

The goal of this treatment is to help you get well quicker and to avoid worsening symptoms and complications of COVID including death.

Remember

1. Monoclonal Antibody treatment helps.
2. Make sure to share your symptoms immediately with your doctor. The sooner the better.
3. This treatment is safe.
4. The treatment is free.
5. Monoclonal Antibody treatment saves lives.

Don’t forget that the vaccine, a mask and other interventions including common sense are still important.

Darryl A. Hill, M.D.