Corona virus cases continue to surge after a short gap with Omicron variant coming in and leading the world to third wave. This has increased the worry of different government and healthcare people about the efficacy of vaccination. One method which has always been working in favour of people to fight with COVID-19 variants is the antibody treatment. Antibodies prepared in lab cannot be as effective as vaccination but can surely help you to fight against Omicron, Delta and other prior variants of the COVID. Today we will know in detail about Monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19 and how effective is it to protect you.
What is Monoclonal Antibody Treatment?
This is a laboratory made antibody treatment which provides immunity to the body to fight against corona virus. Dr. Summit Nigam, General Physician in Sahara Hospital, Lucknow tells that it has proteins that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight harmful antigens and virus that occur out of COVID-10 over the years. Monoclonal Antibody treatments are especially used for those who have weakened immune response and are at a greater threat to get Corona virus infection.
As the cases of Omicron and Delta variants of Corona virus are spiking again, the demand of this treatment has also rose. Especially in areas where the vaccination process is slow or people are not fully vaccinated, they require this treatment more.
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Is this Antibody Treatment Effective?
It is true that antibody treatment cannot prevent corona virus variants from spreading but it can reduce risk of infection in your body. Also antibody treatment can prevent you from severe illness and hospitalisation due to this disease. Monoclonal antibody treatment can be infused even after hours of getting infected with Omicron or Delta variant and can still be effective at some rate.
However not everyone gets as benefitted by this treatment and it can work differently on every individual. It is recommended to prevent you from serious illness and risk of hospitalisation due to the disease.
Also Read- Home COVID-19 Testing Kits: Know Types, How To Use And Accuracy
How does Monoclonal Antibodies Work?
Antibody treatment is laboratory produced protein that is infused in the body of the person. These proteins functions like an antibody made in the immune system to fight corona virus infection. Monoclonal antibodies are made by binding a specific molecule on a virus that is usually called an antigen and then put it in the blood stream. This helps to restore the lost immunity or helps to fight the pathogens present during COVID-19 Infection.
Is Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Safe?
Monoclonal Antibody treatment has been used and tested on many people to treat different types of viral and bacterial infection. Last it was used mostly during Ebola virus and with RSV to prevent infection from spreading in people. Post COVID-19 it has been effective and safe tool to ensure maximum safety against risk of corona virus. This is also helpful in treating many chronic illnesses such as-
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Ebola virus
- Respiratory syncytial virus
- It is also used in developing antibodies to target cancer cells
Currently, Monoclonal antibody treatment is being widely used in targeting spike protein present in bodies of infected people of COVID-19 virus. It uses host cells to the body that can be eradicated with help of antibody cells. Research also suggests that monoclonal antibodies can reduce the risk of hospitalisation and death in people with asymptomatic COVID-19 symptoms.
Also Read- Booster Dose Needs To Be Given After 8-10 Months Gap: KGMU Study
Who Should Get Antibody Treatment?
Antibody treatment can be taken by almost all people over the age of 12 years. However right now Indian government has suggests using it for COVID-19 to people over 18 years of age. This should be taken by the following people-
- Healthcare professionals who are at higher risk of catching infections
- People who do not have vaccination available or are not fully vaccinated
- For older people above the age of 40 years especially
- People that have weakened immunity or have had COVID-19 infection before
- Those who have other diseases that could increase the risk of Omicron or Delta infection
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