As scientists around the world work tirelessly to develop a standard COVID-19 vaccine, conspiracy theories and anecdotal information continue to brew around the need for vaccination and wearing of personal protective equipment.
In a highly controversial, now viral speech, a Texas paediatrician who doubles as a pastor, Dr. Stella Immanuel said: “nobody needs to get sick or wear a mask because the cure for Coronavirus is hydroxychloroquine.”
What can we deduce from evidence-based research on this subject matter? Boulware and colleagues, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in June 2020 by the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) on the effect of Hydroxychloroquine in post-exposure prophylaxis for COVID-19; revealed that individuals who had been placed on hydroxychloroquine, while showing over 20% increased risk of adverse reactions when compared to the placebo group, were not shielded from COVID-19. Hence, it was concluded that hydroxychloroquine did not prevent COVID-19 at the population level.
Could Dexamethasone be our wonder drug? Based on the latest report from the Randomized Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy (RECOVERY) trial undertaken by the NHS and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Dexamethasone, a known glucocorticoid, has been noted to show promise in the treatment of COVID-19 patients who are on supplemental oxygen.
Astonishingly, patients on respiratory support who were randomized to receive Dexamethasone in this controlled open-label trial had a reduced 28-day mortality rate when compared to patients receiving regular care, without Dexamethasone. The role of this glucocorticoid in the management of COVID-19 is thought to be along the lines of tempering inflammation-mediated lung injury and thus, halting progression of coronavirus related lung injury to respiratory failure and subsequently, death.
Global Spikes are almost Predictable
As countries around the world phase the re-opening of schools, restaurants, and public places, it is likely that there’d be a surge in COVID-19 cases. In fact, Hong Kong has already started witnessing a resurgence, with over 100 new cases daily over a straight 6-day period. The United States has also recorded an all-time high record of about 40,000 daily cases of Coronavirus.
With a gradual return of normal functioning, the re-opening of public places like schools is likely to cause a further increase in the number of COVID-19 cases.
What can we do?
Prepare for the ‘New Normal’ by Building your Mental Health & Stamina
With an impending new wave of the novel Coronavirus showing us that the virus is unlikely to be a one-time event, we must be prepared for the new normal. Post-pandemic life is expected to be associated with heightened mental health challenges, as noted by the World Health Organization.
The looming mental health crisis precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic can, however, be abated if each of takes the following steps:
- Keep abreast of information only from trusted sources: staying up to date is good, but there is already so much disinformation about COVID-19. In particular, avoid taking in information from sources that aren’t proven to be trustworthy.
- Incorporate some fun into your routine: Your daily routine might already include work (remote or in-person) and exercise, but how about spicing it up by having some fun doing what you enjoy? This can range from reading an interesting book, making funny videos or simply placing across a call to loved ones. Whatever you do, make sure to keep that smile bright and soulful.
- Minimize alcohol intake/drug use to the barest minimum: These substances are famously noted to encourage disinhibition. As much as possible, avoid using them to deal with anxiety, boredom or fear.
- Don’t discriminate: With so much uncertainty surrounding this pandemic, fear is a natural reaction. But make sure you aren’t expressing your fear in discriminatory ways towards health care workers, people who’ve had COVID-19 or individuals from certain countries. Remember, humanity first.
Lastly, kindness never hurts anyone. Remember those who were dealing with anxiety, depression and other such mental health issues prior to the pandemic and treat them with even more kindness in these trying times, as we all adapt to the new normal.
