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Navigating the COVID-19 Treatment Landscape: Efficacy and Side-Effects of Current Therapies against SARS-CoV-2

Sachin Parwani1, Shobha Upreti2, Chandan Kumar Mishra3

  • 1Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.

Current HIV Research
|May 7, 2025
PubMed

Insights

This review examines treatments for COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019), including repurposed antivirals and therapies like IVIG for cytokine release syndrome. It also explores vaccine effectiveness in people with HIV and immune responses in various age groups.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, rapidly became a global pandemic with significant mortality and diverse symptoms.
  • COVID-19 presents a heightened risk for individuals with advanced HIV, though well-managed HIV does not increase risk.
  • Long COVID affects millions, and viral mutations necessitate updated treatment guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review repurposed antiviral drug candidates for COVID-19.
  • To explore immune responses in different age groups and vaccine effectiveness in people with HIV.
  • To discuss potential immunosuppressants and therapies for cytokine release syndrome (CRS).

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of existing studies on COVID-19 treatments and immune responses.
  • Analysis of data on repurposed antiviral drugs, vaccine efficacy, and immune modulation strategies.
  • Examination of therapeutic approaches including Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG), steroids, and anti-cytokine therapy.

Main Results:

  • Repurposed antiviral drugs show potential against COVID-19.
  • COVID-19 vaccines are generally effective for people with HIV, but some may have reduced effectiveness.
  • Therapies like IVIG, steroids, and anti-cytokine treatments are promising for managing CRS.

Conclusions:

  • Continued research into repurposed antivirals and immunomodulatory therapies is crucial for managing COVID-19 and its complications.
  • Understanding age-related immune responses and vaccine efficacy in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV, is vital.
  • Effective management of CRS is essential for improving outcomes in severe COVID-19 cases.

Keywords:
COVID-19HIV.SARS-CoV-2antiviralsimmunotherapiesmRNA vaccines

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