ORLANDO, Fla. — In the battle against COVID-19, critical care doctors at AdventHealth and Orlando Health are noticing the effectiveness and minimal side effects of Remdesivir, the antiviral drug now in big demand.
Orange County’s Department of Health medical director, Dr. Raul Pino, said doctors are seeing even more success when they use it with an immediate boost of immunity.
“I have seen great results with convalescent plasma and with Remdesivir both, and I don’t discount that it can both be used in the same individual for different reasons,” Pino said.
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Because each case of COVID-19 is different, the use of either or both treatments is a doctor’s decision.
The real challenge lies in supply. As the governor promises, more Remdesivir is on the way.
Donation centers, like OneBlood in Orlando, reported a 500% jump in hospital orders for convalescent plasma, which doctors are now using earlier in treatment to try and keep patients out of intensive care.
“We are literally collecting, testing and distributing convalescent plasma around the clock,” said Susan Forbes with OneBlood.
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While not everyone qualifies to donate convalescent plasma, tens of thousands do.
“They’re playing a key role in helping people heal. They really are these unsung heroes who we need to step forward to help these patients,” Forbes said.
Pino said if he were the patient and had to choose between the two treatments, he’d pick convalescent plasma. Once it enters the bloodstream, he said it’s just like giving that person a vaccine, helping them wage a much stronger fight against COVID-19.
Click here to learn more about donating convalescent plasma.
Cox Media Group
