HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, doctors say you should seek care immediately and avoid trying to tough it out at home.
The FDA has issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for monoclonal antibody therapy to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms. The treatment is safe for adults and children over the age of 12 that weigh more than 88 pounds.
"The studies show it's very effective at keeping people out of the hospital when they have other co-morbidities," said UAB Infectious Disease Division Associate Professor Jodie Dionne, M.D.
Antibodies are taken from someone who was previously COVID-positive and then given to someone to help them fight off the virus.
Doctors are saying that monoclonal therapy is a great way to limit the amount of COVID-19 related deaths.
"The goal is for those people once they're diagnosed with COVID, to get them into this infusion clinic, where they can have the antibodies to keep them out of the hospital," said Dr. Dionne.
The ultimate goal is to keep Alabamians COVID-free. Health experts believe the best way to slow the spread is to get vaccinated.
There are drawbacks to monoclonal therapy.
Dr. Dionne explains, "It doesn't work for everybody but we're trying to ramp up the access to people."
Monoclonal therapy is available across the Tennessee Valley for those that meet the requirements.
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