As vaccines continue to roll out, many have forgotten our original first line of defense for COVID: the antibody treatment. Monoclonal antibodies are produced in laboratories where scientists copy antibodies targeted to combat COVID.
These cells are retrieved from people who formerly had COVID and still have the antibodies in their system. This one cell is then replicated and inserted into other patients to develop their immune system to fight COVID.
While this may seem to put at-risk patients in vulnerable situations, healthcare professionals recommend the treatment for those concerned with contracting COVID. Moreover, the Mayo clinic actually encourages at-risk COVID patients to consider the treatment.
Now that the COVID vaccine is available, some may feel that the antibody treatment is not as effective. However, for those with underlying conditions and unvaccinated, these treatments could prevent hospitalization upon contraction of the virus.
While vaccination, social distancing, and masking help prevent the spread; the antibody treatment can save the life of those with conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, etc.
But what factors should you consider before getting the antibody treatment? Like all medical treatments, it’s important to do your own research and talk with healthcare professionals before pursuing a specific treatment. However, here are items to consider before deciding on the COVID antibody treatment.
The upfront cost of the COVID antibody treatment is $1250. However, the federal government is offering it for free for eligible patients.
While the actual treatment is no cost, healthcare facilities may charge for the infusion.
For those with insurance, the full treatment should be covered. However, those without insurance should check with the facility on the estimated cost of the infusion.
Currently, the antibody treatment is not eligible for everyone. While vaccines are now widely available, antibody treatments are not as accessible for everyone. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, only those who have tested positive for COVID and are at high-risk of getting severe symptoms are eligible for the treatment.
The COVID antibody treatment specifically targets the immune system. Thus, side effects are to be expected. Some of the reported side effects of the most common treatments are similar to the COVID vaccine: fever, nausea, chills, fatigue, and headache.
In more severe cases, patients may experience chest pain, dizziness, rashes, or anaphylaxis. All patients are observed for at least one hour after their antibody infusion in order to monitor symptoms. If patients are feeling these side effects during their infusion, they should immediately inform their healthcare professional and possibly slow down the treatment.
CHECK THIS: Common COVID Vaccine Side Effect Complaints
The COVID antibody treatment has been proven to be effective in preventing hospitalizations and deaths from COVID. In the clinical trial for the two most common treatments, those with the placebo were hospitalized at a higher rate than those who received the antibody treatment.
Doctors have found that the benefits of the antibody treatment outweigh the risks. The reported side effects of the treatment do not compare to the alternative – hospitalization, ventilators, or even death.
The antibody treatment has also been effective in freeing up hospital beds and healthcare professionals. Be sure to discuss with your doctor about the possible side effects that can come with the treatment and weigh those against the effectiveness of the treatment overall.
Patients at a higher risk of suffering severe symptoms of COVID should seriously consider the COVID antibody treatment. If you have contracted COVID and have underlying conditions, contact your healthcare professional to determine your eligibility for the antibody treatment.
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