NASHVILLE, Tenn (WTVF) — There is still no cure or treatment for COVID-19, but many states are preparing to reopen and some as early as next week. Researchers around the world are trying to find a solution including scientists here in Tennessee.
Medical professionals say the only current safeguard against COVID-19 is social distancing, face masks and clean hands.
Dr. Donald James Alcendor is looking for a more permanent protection. Dr. Alcendor has been working overtime at Meharry Medical College in creating a drug to treat infected coronavirus patients.
“The anti-viral has a place and it’s not to basically replace a vaccine, but it’s to be there in support of vaccine,” said Alcendor.
He said a vaccine will take any where between 12 - 18 months and an anti-viral can be made in a matter of weeks.
“With a drug, an anti-viral that can shutdown virus replication and reduce inflammation in those patients then you’re likely to hold off a crisis that’s likely to happen; allow those patients that might be at the brink to recover” said Alcendor.
Colleges and universities across the country are trying to find a treatment against this virus. Dr. Alcendor who has also worked on a treatment for the Zika Virus, says this research helps put Meharry Medical College on the map.
"The strategy in the end, is to have a vaccine," said Alcendor, "You’re looking at a virus that at this point won’t be stopped because there’s nothing to stop it right now."
Alcendor and his staff at the historically black college made their drug in a span of two weeks. The treatment will need to go through a series of phases before the FDA approves the antiviral drug for a clinical trial.
Meharry scientists are now testing the anti-viral drug in Petri dishes with lung cells. Once that phase is over they will test the drug on mice and submitting their data.
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What is COVID-19 (a.k.a. the new coronavirus?)
According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Examples include the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. COVID-19 stands for "Coronavirus disease 2019," which is when this strain of the coronavirus was discovered.
What are the symptoms?
The CDC says patients confirmed to have the 2019-nCoV reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Or at least two of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
At this time, the CDC believes symptoms could appear as soon as two days after exposure, or as long as 14 days.
Prevention
The CDC is recommending "common sense" measures such as:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
