Despite the war we’re waging over coronavirus or COVID-19, there’s good news.
New tests to new possible treatments give us good reasons for cautious optimism we will beat it back.
In a short period of time we’ve come a long way.
Just four weeks ago, there were only two available COVID-19 tests in the country. Today, we have 32. Thanks to the ramping up of emergency authorization, the FDA’s website has a listing of all types of COVID-19 diagnostics. This fast and furious pace will be to our benefit in the coming weeks.
Where We Stand on COVID-19 Testing
Fortunately, mass-testing is beginning.
As of April 15, the COVID Tracking Project estimated over 3.2 million people in the United States had been tested. Both molecular and serological testing, as shown below, are helping track people currently infected with the virus and individuals who’ve had it, recovered, and have developed antibodies for it.
This diagnostic testing helps detect the presence of viral genetic material present indicating a person has COVID-19.
A common method, usually done at a provider’s office or a drive-thru testing site, is to obtain a sample from the back of the nose. A 6-inch long swab is placed into the back of the nasal passage in one nostril, rotated for 15 seconds and then is repeated in the other nostril. The resultant sample is then sent off to a lab.Results might take anywhere from several hours to several days — providing either a positive or negative finding.
Another type of a molecular test originates from Abbott Laboratories and is called ID NOW COVID-19. Using a less invasive nasal swab, positive results can be obtained within five minutes while negative results within 13 minutes.
Recently approved by the FDA and developed by Rutgers University, there’s also a saliva test which requires an individual to spit into a plastic tube which is sent off to a lab for testing.
Serological testing identifies people found to have antibodies for COVID-19 indicating they’ve already been infected and have recovered from the virus. The goal is to begin large scale sampling of the U.S. to achieve a more accurate picture of the viral spread. One such serological test is called "serological enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay" or ELISA for short that takes a blood sample from a simple finger prick.
Where We Stand on COVID-19 Treatment Options
While there currently is no treatment for COVDI-19 approved by the FDA, there are encouraging signs of numerous possibilities conquering this virus. Here’s a look at what’s in the pipeline:
- Chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin (Z-Pak)
Used for decades to treat malaria and autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are being studied as potential treatments for the virus. Neither one has been approved for use by the FDA, but the FDA has issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EMA) allowing patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and unable to access a clinical trial, to be prescribed chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine.
Shortened recovery time and improved pneumonia have been found in some coronavirus patients using these drugs, but concerns of efficacy and safety abound.
Currently, no studies show these medications work for prevention. One study from France reported that using hydroxychloroquine in conjunction with azithromycin, a common antibiotic, were able to clear the virus in eight days. While promising, more research is needed to gain a clearer picture of each drugs’ effectiveness against COVID-19.
Hospitals around the world are testing convalescent plasma as a potential treatment. Plasma is the largest component of blood (55%) and contains immunoglobulins (antibodies) potentially saving the life of someone with COVID-19. When infected with the virus, the body’s immune system produces antibodies to seek out and neutralize it.
By collecting and using plasma from people (donating plasma is similar to donating blood) who have recovered from COVID-19, these antibodies in plasma can be given to severely sick patients giving their immune system an extra boost to fight off the infection. Good news shows these antibodies are still present in the patients’ blood after recovery providing them immunity; however the length of immunity is not known at this time.
At this time, convalescent plasma for treating COVID-19 has not yet been approved by the FDA and is still regulated as an investigational product.
On the horizon as a possible first treatment for COVID-19, this antiviral drug given intravenously has shown promise in an early study of being effective against SARS, MERS, and Ebola in cell and animal models. This drug targets the polymerase of the coronavirus stopping it from replicating itself preventing the virus from spreading. Patients with severe COVID-19 are currently being enrolled in clinical trials to test Remdesivir’s effectiveness.
- Other Medication Treatment Possibilities:
- Actemra — People with COVID-19 are at risk of a cytokine storm, a serious condition of an overactive immune system gone haywire with out of control inflammation. This drug helps calm the immune system and may help manage cytokine storms of someone with coronavirus.
- Kaletra — Data is limited, but this HIV medication contains two antivirals called lopinavira and ritonavir. In vitro and clinical studies suggest they may help with SARS and MERS and possibly COVID-19.
- Tamiflu — An antiviral used for influenza, several clinical trials are looking at this drug in combination with other medications for coronavirus.
- Avigan — Another antiviral used in Japan and China for the flu, Avigan, did show a positive recovery from COVID-19 response in a study in China. The first U.S. clinical trials for Avigan have been approved to start in Boston.
- Ivermectin — Used to treat infections caused by parasites, this medication is also used to treat lice and rosacea. While more research is needed, a recent in vitro study found that ivermectin helped stop COVID-19 from replicating.
- Vaccine for COVID-19 — There is no vaccine at this time but research on the virus is rapidly evolving. Top scientists estimate at least 12 to 18 months before one may be developed deeming it safe and effective. For more on COVID-19 vaccines being studies, follow live updates on this vaccine tracker here.
Better Days Ahead
Never has the United States been affected so swiftly and strongly by a virus. The magnitude of the fallout from COVID-19 has taken a tremendous toll on citizen’s health and livelihoods.
However, I remain hopeful and encouraged by the vast efforts of researchers and hospitals in their tireless search for more accurate and improved testing and treatments to fight this invisible enemy.
In the darkest of days, Americans have always remained resilient and strong. Eventually, we will see light at the end of this pandemic tunnel and our way back to normalcy.
For now, keep believing better days are ahead and that good news will prevail.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay optimistic.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He is a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City. He is regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., trained in oncology, open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery. He has a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.