Main image via Sky News
The World Health Organization (WHO) stated in its press release that preliminary results from the drug known as dexamethasone can save patients who are critically ill COVID-19 patients.
Based on the study thus far, the treatment of dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, has shown that mortality for COVID-19 patients who were on ventilators have reduced by one third, while the mortality for patients requiring oxygen only has reduced by about one fifth.
Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised the UK Government, the research team from the University of Oxford and hospitals and patients who have contributed to this scientific breakthrough.
Peter Horby, professor of Emerging Infectious Diseases in the Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford said that dexamethasone is the first drug to be shown to improve the survival of COVID-19. Moreover, he added that the drug is inexpensive, over the counter and can be used immediately.
However, this drug is ineffective in treating patients with milder forms of COVID-19.
Health Director-General says that the drug is ineffective against those who show less severe symptoms, and cautioned against using the drug without a prescription.
He adds that the side effects of dexamethason include bone loss and muscle weakness.
In the meantime, please stay safe, stay at home if you can and don’t forget to practise good hygiene and social distancing standards.
Info via WHO , SkyNews