In this roundup, we’re highlighting the latest findings and news including the emergence of new and unusual warning signs, antiviral therapies in clinical trials, and the promise of blood tests, for the detection of antibodies that will help Americans resume daily life.
The Loss of Taste and Smell Reported as a New And Unusual Sign of the Virus
For those who show symptoms, common side effects of COVID-19 include fever, dry cough, and difficulty breathing. However, new research “adds to a growing body of evidence that suggests individuals whose main symptom is a loss of smell could be infected with the new coronavirus, even if they lack other typical symptoms like cough or fever,” according to Aylin Woodward for Business Insider. Further research, from scientists at King’s College London, suggested that the loss of smell and taste are stronger predictors of a COVID-19 than a fever.
Read the full piece here.
An Investigational RNA Polymerase Inhibitor Bay be the Key to an Antiviral Therapy
Unlike the influenza infection, as of now there’s no antiviral therapies available for combating COVID-19. However, researchers are getting closer. According to Daniel R. Kuritzkes, MD in a recent article for Clinical Care Options, “In vitro data and animal models (based on MERS) suggest that the investigational RNA polymerase inhibitor remdesivir may have activity against SARS-CoV-2 and prevent serious pulmonary complications; several clinical trials are currently underway.” Kuritzkes also suggests that chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine may have antiviral activity by blocking egress of SARS-CoV-2 which is similar to how amantadine blocks infection by influenza.
Ready the full piece here.
A Blood Test May be the Key to Resuming Normal Life
With a vaccine still months away, researchers are considering an alternative approach to reopening the economy and restoring daily life – blood testing for antibodies. “The idea behind [this] is that people who have been exposed to the virus form antibodies in their bloodstream that may help them to fight off another infection,” explained Anne Flaherty, Dr. Mark Abdelmalek, and Lucien Bruggeman for ABC News. “The hope is that the body’s antibodies against COVID-19 can diminish the chances of re-infection. Theoretically, those found to have immunized antibodies could then return to work and help reignite the economy.”
Read the full piece here.
