Ivan Erill, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Researchers discovered a satellite virus latching onto the neck of another virus called MindFlayer. Studying the viral arms race between similar viruses could lead to new ways to fight infections.
Blocking viruses from replicating their RNA is one way antivirals work.
CROCOTHERY/iStock via Getty Images Plus
The human body has been making antivirals for eons, long before scientists did. A protein in your cells called viperin produces molecules that work similarly to the COVID-19 antiviral remdesivir.
How are people with long COVID faring two years after their initial infection? Many have recovered. Some still struggle with symptoms – this is more likely for those who were initially hospitalised.
It can be difficult to an appointment to see your GP. So when should you make the effort to see a GP for a prescription for influenza antivirals? And how effective are they?
We know from other viruses that viral fragments can remain in different tissues for months or even years. This could be the case for long COVID.
Addressing the increased risks of certain diseases among those with Down syndrome could help improve their quality of life.
Halfpoint Images/Moment via Getty Images
Joaquin Espinosa, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
People with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome 21. Understanding the effects of those triplicated genes could help improve the health of those with Down syndrome and other medical conditions.
Only one antiviral medication is approved by the FDA for RSV treatment, and it is administered through a nebulizer.
BonNontawat/iStock via Getty Images Plus
While RSV can become severe for any child, it poses a particularly serious threat for the youngest babies and for high-risk children.
The goal of the public health emergency declaration is to prevent the monkeypox virus from becoming a widespread threat to public health.
ALIOUI Mohammed Elamine/iStock via Getty Images
Declaring monkeypox a national health emergency will allow the U.S. government to direct resources and funds where needed to help slow the spread of the virus.
After taking Paxlovid for COVID and appearing to recover, some people – including US President Joe Biden – continue to test positive. What’s going on?
President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on July 21, 2022, but was reportedly feeling well enough to work and take calls, as seen in this photo released by the White House.
Adam Schultz/The White House via AP
According to a letter from Biden’s doctor, the president has a runny nose, mild fatigue and a slight cough. The letter also noted that Biden began taking an antiviral drug the morning he tested positive.
Most people with COVID will recover at home without any treatment. But some people who are at risk of severe disease could benefit from new medicines to reduce the chance of the disease progressing.
If authorized, molnupiravir could be a key oral treatment to help keep COVID-19 patients out of the hospital.
Plyushkin/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Merck and Pfizer both have oral antiviral pills under review by the FDA. Such treatments could help turn the tide of the pandemic.
Emergency medical technicians aid a COVID-19 patient at his home in Louisville, Kentucky. Like much of the U.S., Louisville is experiencing an uptick in COVID-19 patients requiring emergency transport to medical facilities.
John Cherry/Getty Images
Medications to treat COVID-19 are in no way a substitute for the vaccine. But under the right circumstances, some show great promise for helping patients.
Researchers around the world are using new and existing technology to develop potential treatments for those with COVID-19. Here’s what’s in development in Australia.
Director, Evidence and Methods, National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce; Associate Professor (Research), Cochrane Australia, School of Population Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University