Monoclonal antibodies are used to treat COVID 19 through a process known as monoclonal antibody therapy or monoclonal antibody infusion treatment. These are antibodies similar to the ones in your body. The only difference is that they are more specific in that they attack a specific part, the spike protein of the virus. Additionally, they are made in the lab and are introduced to an individual’s body through an injection.
This therapy aims to reduce the burden associated with COVID 19 virus, such as severe symptoms and hospitalization.
How Does It Work?
The working mechanism of the treatment is simple. The goal is to prevent the virus from entering the human body cells. The antibodies achieve the goal by attacking the spike protein to slow the activity of the virus. This is a boost to the body’s immune system, which can strategize and respond to the virus attack.
It is essential to understand that monoclonal antibody therapy is not an alternative for COVID vaccination but a treatment for the infection. Moreover, the success of this treatment depends on the time of administration, where it is very effective during the early stages of infection. Hence, individuals working in high-risk environments like hospitals need to get a COVID test regularly for early detection. You can get these tests at your local hospital or healthcare service provider.
The Administration of Monoclonal Antibody Therapy
Medical practitioners use intravenous (IV) infusion in the monoclonal antibody therapy treatment process. This is the medical process of introducing fluids and drugs into the human bloodstream. Cullman Clinical Trials ensure they provide quality services to you and your family members by making the treatment process as effective as possible. They do so by setting aside one hour for the administration process and an extra hour for patient monitoring.
How Does the COVID Vaccine Interact With Monoclonal Therapy Treatment?
An individual cannot undergo the two processes simultaneously. Instead, a 90-day gap is recommended. For instance, ensure you wait three months after getting the monoclonal antibody therapy before obtaining a COVID vaccination. The vice versa is true for those who get the monoclonal treatment after the first COVID jab.
Treatment Eligibility Requirements
Not every person qualifies for this treatment. As such, you must understand the combination of necessary qualification requirements, which include:
- Age. The individual must be 12 years and above.
- Risk level. The person must be at a high risk of infection with a positive COVID test.
- Must be unvaccinated and not admitted to the hospital.
- Weight. Persons applying for monoclonal antibody therapy must be at least 88 pounds.
High-risk individuals include:
- Pregnant women
- People with chronic illnesses
- Obese individuals
- Older men and women, especially those above 65 years
- Medical practitioners
There are also monoclonal antibodies for preventative purposes after post-exposure. However, direct exposure may not necessarily apply in all circumstances. Hence, medical providers have set an eligibility requirement to determine whether a situation qualifies for this treatment.
For instance, you must have interacted directly with an infected person, putting you at a high exposure risk. This can be at home with your loved one or in the hospital. As such, being in public without taking the CDC precautions like wearing a mask doesn’t necessarily qualify as direct exposure.