Thread by @nirav_mainecdc

1/I’ve recently discussed the importance of having a plan to obtain #COVID19 therapeutics in case you contract COVID.

I’d like to expand on what these therapeutics are and what a plan of that sort looks like.

2/Getting #COVID19 used to mean isolation and perhaps hospitalization.

Today in #Maine, we have several treatment options available.

The key to successful treatment is *early testing* so you can receive *early treatment.*

3/In recent months, @US_FDA has authorized several medications for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID19.

The treatments vary—some are pills, some are infused.

And they vary by effectiveness, with some reducing #COVID19 hospitalization by >90%.

4/Here is a rundown of the therapies: there are two oral medications, Paxlovid and Molnupiravir.

Of the two, Paxlovid does a better job keeping people out of the hospital. It interacts with a number of other medications, though.

5/For more info on Paxlovid, see: fda.gov/media/155051/d…

And for Molnupiravir: fda.gov/media/155055/d…

6/There are also two monoclonal anitbodies available, Sotrovimab and Bebtelovimab.

Both are infused through an IV and both are extremely effective at keeping people out of the hospital. For more:

fda.gov/media/149533/d…

maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/inf…

7/A third drug, Remdesivir, is fully approved by @US_FDA and is given by IV. It, too, is remarkably effective at keeping people out of the hospital.

It requires 3 doses over three days rather than just one single dose for the monoclonal antibodies. bit.ly/3pELxMB

8/All of these medicines are available for people 12+, except Molnupiravir, which is available for people 18+.

9/The key with ALL these therapies is that they must be administered *early* in the course of #COVID19 illness.

The infused drugs must be infused in the first 7 days after symptoms start.

The oral therapeutics, in the first 5 days.

10/That’s why having a plan for obtaining these drugs if you develop COVID is so important. So what are the elements of that plan?

11/First, know if you would benefit from these drugs. Who benefits the most? Those who have risk factors that predispose them toward hospitalization were they to get COVID. Here’s a list of conditions:
cdc.gov/coronavirus/20…

12/Second, have a plan to test yourself before you get sick. This means having rapid tests at home if you start feeling symptoms of #COVID19.

Tests are more available now, and may be free and be shipped to you. Learn more in this thread:

https://twitter.com/nirav_mainecdc/status/1499059752763990022?s=20&t=gZbvX3reP8BjfCh4RImL2w

13/Third, have a relationship with a doctor who can evaluate you if you test positive and determine which of these five therapies is right for you, if any.

Community health centers are an option, as well: maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/inf…

14/What if you don’t have a doctor?

Maine CDC has worked with health care facilities to stand up Outpatient Assessment and Treatment sites across the state. Check out the “How to access COVID-19 treatments” section of our webpage: maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/inf…

15/Finally, if you are someone with severe immune deficiency and are fully up to date with your vaccines, but are concerned about your protection, there may be an option available for you, called Evusheld.

For this, we urge you to speak with your healthcare provider.

16/The treatments we have now are another reason why March 2022 is much different from March 2020.

The key now is know about them so you can take advantage of them if they become needed.

17/But what's even better than treatment?

Not needing it all (a/k/a 'prevention'). It is not too late to get vaccinated against #COVID19.

18/If you're still here, thank you for reading this.