By: Kristen Hernandez
Pompano Beach, FL – Pompano Beach residents are finally breathing a collective sigh of relief now that Covid-19 restrictions and mask mandates have relaxed. While mask wearing has become to some, the new normal, residents seem to be wearing them more as a sense of security rather than actual caution. Misinformation and outright ignorance can spread person to person just as fast as coronavirus spread around the globe. The only way to truly protect yourself is to have the most accurate information possible. Let’s break down the difference between antibodies vs. antivirals vs. prevention, and what it means for residents of Pompano Beach.
According to the Sun Sentinel, Broward County has a positivity rate of 23.5 % as of May 19. This puts Broward County at a high risk level. A new subvariant of omicron, B.A.2.12.1, has proven to be the most contagious variant to date. In 2020, we would have to keep six feet apart and shutter indoor. However, as vaccination and immunity rates increase, fewer and fewer people are likely to get sick with the disease. Also, as at-home rapid testing becomes more widely accessible, Covid-19 testing sites are closing up around the city. With the availability of antivirals, vaccines, and antibody treatments, fighting Covid-19 and preventing the spread is entirely up to each individual.
Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Therapy may be an option for individuals with moderate to severe coronavirus. Receiving monoclonal antibodies is like receiving a dose of your own combat army. These tiny antibodies stick to the surface of the coronavirus cell and stops it from penetrating healthy cells. In order to receive the only antibody treatment available within the state of Florida at the time this was written, you must meet certain criteria. Biotech’s Monoclonal Antibody Treatment therapy, Bebtelovimab, is an effective way to treat positive Covid-19 patients 12 years or older who are at risk for severe disease progression and where alternative Covid-19 treatments proved ineffective. To locate a provider, visit floridahealthcovid19.gov/treatments/treatmentlocator or ask your doctor for more information.
For a mild case of Covid-19 or if you’re asymptomatic, you may qualify to receive antiviral medication by prescription. Most viruses cannot duplicate on their own. They become effective when the virus enters our healthy cells, essentially hijacking them, allowing the virus to duplicate and increase. An antiviral stops this from happening. Oral antivirals are now available and can be obtained by prescription, only after diagnosis of coronavirus. Pfizer’s Paxlovid and
Merck’s Molnupiravir should begin within five days of symptom onset. Contact your health provider for more information on how to obtain a prescription.
For various reasons, some people are still hesitant to get vaccinated. As an alternative, prevention in pill form is now available from Astrazeneca’s Evusheld. It is authorized by the FDA for the prevention of Covid-19. Individuals who are severely immunocompromised or who’ve had an adverse reaction to the vaccine may qualify. Your healthcare provider is the best place to ask questions and to find out what options are available. The United States has come a long way in this fight against Covid-19. By taking steps like getting the vaccine and taking preventative medicine, you can effectively protect yourself and your family.
