We are close to tests that reveal who is immune to coronavirus infection. A "revolutionary" test capable of identifying people who have been infected and who are consequently immune, having also not shown any of the characteristic symptoms of the infection. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said yesterday. The news is reported today by the Times. Such a test would allow health professionals to work in complete safety knowing that they do not develop any disease in the course of their work. Scientists following this trend could discover one of the key variables for understanding and fighting the disease: how many people become infected but do not show specific symptoms? Why don't these people get sick?
At the daily Downing Street press conference, Patrick Valiance, the government's science advisor, said that Public Health England's work on the test "is progressing very quickly" and will soon provide valuable information on the pandemic with its massive use.
The British Prime Minister also said: "It will be great to have a test available to see if you have contracted the virus and especially if you contract it". One way, Johnson continues, to return to normal if the test "certifies" some sort of immunity to the virus. "Then, Johnson said, it could really be a turning point both economically and socially".
In the meantime, controversy is rising in England. “The government is under increasing attack for lack of testing. Some hospitals have started testing their staff to reduce absences after the British Prime Minister announced extra work to check all British patients. Boris Johnson also told health officials to appeal to universities and companies to help carry out the tests they deem necessary across the country.
Yesterday the World Health Organization, after the initial statements by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, reiterated the invitation to Great Britain to take the tests. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director general, said looking for any positive cases would slow the spread of the virus. As a practice, stressed the senior WHO official, all countries should isolate the virus with the aid of tests and mapping of patient movements.
Otherwise, the transmission chains, even if they weaken, continue to spread the virus. "The tests, continues the director general, have been instrumental in stopping outbreaks following intense surveillance and isolation in cases recorded in South Korea and Singapore.
NHS personnel are also highlighting a shortage of protective equipment, following the announcement by the PHE that surgical masks are adequate protection for operators who are in contact with coronavirus patients.
In a letter addressed to the Times, more than 300 doctors urged the government to provide hospitals with adequate equipment, especially respirators for intensive care rooms.
Hopes for existing drugs
A Japanese antiviral drug has accelerated recovery times for patients with #coronavirus, according to reports from the Chinese government. The National Center for Biotechnology Development in China said that the patients they received favlplravir they recovered more quickly from pneumonia symptoms and healed earlier than other patients who did not receive treatment. About 120 patients in Wuhan, where Covid-19 was stolen late last year, and 80 in Shenzhen city were treated with the drug, also known as Avigan. Zhang Xlnmin, an official from the ministry of science and technology, said he had no news of obvious side effects.
Pregnant women. However, it is recommended not to take favlplravir in the case of pregnant women to avoid fetal malformations. The actions of Fujifilm, the Japanese company that developed the drug, increased by 15%. A number of other existing drugs are also being tested, including an asthma drug effective against the Mers coronavirus, an anti-ebola treatment and an anti-malaria drug.