Treatment and vaccine trials are already in progress
Medical and research companies all over the world started working on various vaccines for COVID-19, with some getting promising results. At the moment, there are 49 vaccines in clinical trials on humans, and more than 85 preclinical vaccines under active investigation in animals. We might not get an efficient vaccine by the end of this year, as trials, approval stages, manufacturing and distribution can take a long time, but the findings can be extremely useful in the case of future outbreaks.
In terms of treatments, China alone has launched more than 80 clinical trials for various COVID-19 treatments. However, similar to vaccines, treatments can also last for months; so, until a sure treatment is discovered, make sure you have a proper stock of cough medicines, ibuprofen for fever and acetaminophen for headache and muscle aches.
Being prepared is the best defense
Considering the attack rate or transmissibility (how fast the coronavirus spreads), chances are most f us will become infected sooner or later. But instead of panicking, our best shot is to prepare ourselves for what’s to come.
Being quarantined at home might have been difficult at first, for some it still is, but there are ways you can make staying at home more pleasurable. “Over the extended period of quarantine, people may have adjusted to the stress of the pandemic and are now finding comfort in feeling safe from exposure to the virus by being home. What in the early weeks of quarantine may have been challenging is now a ‘new normal’ and people are finding routines at home,” says Arunesh Mishra, M.D. Try to make the most of your time spent at home with these 5 Quarantine Routine Tips to Help Your Sanity! and be happy that you are contributing to curbing the spread of the virus. Also, check out these 14 Lockdown Habits We Should Still Keep After the Pandemic Is Over.
If you feel sick or have been traveling to/from other countries, self-isolation might be your best approach to keeping other people safe. Remember, some can have the virus but not the symptoms, so you could be unknowingly spreading it even if you don’t feel sick. If you have underlying chronic health issues, talk to your doctor about an action plan in case you start experiencing certain symptoms. If you need to go to the hospital, here’s what Your COVID-19 Emergency Bag should include.
