The Pros and Cons of Using Medicine to Treat COVID-19 Patients

The Pros and Cons of Using Medicine to Treat COVID-19 Patients

The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the biggest global health crises of our time. With no definite cure, the focus has been on finding ways to mitigate the adverse effects of the disease. The use of medicine has been one of the primary methods adopted to treat COVID-19 patients. However, medicine is not a panacea, and there are both positives and negatives to using it. In this article, we look at the pros and cons of using medicine to treat COVID-19 patients.

The Pros

1. It can reduce mortality rates.

One of the primary benefits of using medicine to treat COVID-19 patients is that it can reduce mortality rates. Drugs like dexamethasone have been shown to reduce the risk of death among patients on ventilators by around one-third. Similarly, remdesivir has been shown to reduce the length of hospital stays for patients with severe cases of COVID-19.

2. It can alleviate symptoms.

Another benefit of using medicine is that it can alleviate the symptoms of COVID-19. Drugs like acetaminophen, which is commonly used to treat fever and pain, are helpful in reducing temperature and relieving pain. Other medicines like ibuprofen and cough suppressants can help alleviate other symptoms like coughing and congestion.

3. It can help control the spread of the disease.

Medicine can be used not just to treat patients but also to control the spread of the disease. Patients who are treated with medicine are less likely to spread the virus to others, reducing the overall spread of the disease.

The Cons

1. Side effects.

One of the significant concerns with medicine is the side effects it can cause. For example, remdesivir has been shown to cause liver damage in some cases. Similarly, dexamethasone can cause side effects like weakened muscles and increased risk of infections.

2. Resistance.

Another challenge with using medicine is the potential for the virus to develop resistance to the drugs. The more the medicine is used, the higher the likelihood that the virus could develop resistance, making it less effective over time.

3. Limited availability.

Lastly, a significant issue with using medicine to treat COVID-19 patients is the limited availability of some drugs. For example, remdesivir is in short supply, and access to it may be limited in areas where it is needed most. This limited availability could mean that only a limited number of patients can be treated, leaving many others without access to life-saving medicine.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while medicine can be beneficial in treating COVID-19 patients, there are also considerable risks associated with its use. Side effects, resistance to drugs, and limited availability are some of the challenges confronting the widespread use of medicine. As such, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons of using medicine and take informed decisions that benefit patients in the long-term.