Getting diagnosed with COVID-19 can be scary. However, since the pandemic began, more treatmentshave become available to reduce the severity of COVID-19 in those who have become infected.
Monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatments are one such form of treatment that have been authorized for emergency use in the United States.
What is a monoclonal antibody?
An antibody is a protein that our bodies naturally create to fight off infection. Monoclonal antibodies are proteins developed in a lab in order to fight off infections that our bodies aren’t familiar with, like COVID-19.
mAb treatment
Early evidence suggests that mAbs administered by an infusion or an injection can reduce the amount of COVID-19 virus present in someone infected with COVID-19. By doing so, mAbs can prevent hospitalization due to COVID-19 and prevent the disease from progressing any further in those treated.
It’s important to note that mAbs can only treat an existing COVID-19 infection and they don’t train your body to fight off future infections the same way that the COVID-19 vaccines do.
As such, mAb treatment and COVID-19 vaccination should not be viewed as interchangeable forms of treatment. If you are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine,make an appointment today. If you have concerns or questions about getting the vaccine, your health care provider can answer your questions.
