Rays of Hope – Photo: L. Weikel

Monoclonal Antibodies

This isn’t a post title I ever expected to write. But I’m writing it because I’m convinced that treatment with monoclonal antibodies is a therapeutic intervention that needs to be discussed here, there, and everywhere. We need to be talking about it so that when or if you or a loved one becomes infected with Covid-19, you know enough to: request this treatment.

I knew I’d heard the term and recognized monoclonal antibodies were somehow related to or a part of the treatment received by DT when he was stricken with the virus last year. But I assumed (wrongly) that this was probably wildly expensive treatment that in all probability would only be available to the privileged among us.

(Yes, Virginia, sad to say we live in a profoundly segregated country, with many layers of ‘haves’ and ‘have nots.’ And money – or the lack of it – plays a huge part in the quality of healthcare any of us receive.)

Money’s No Object

And that’s the first amazing aspect of this treatment that needs to be shouted from the rooftops. In this instance, with respect to this particular treatment, money’s no object – at least with respect to the people who fit within a very broad range of parameters. Indeed, one qualification is simply being over age 65. But there are a wide variety of conditions that also qualify a person to receive the treatment for free, even if they’re under age 65.

Even greater is the efficacy rate. Holy cow! An article published within the past couple of days in the New York Times reports on new data that reveals an astounding improvement in patient response when given this treatment within the first ten days of symptoms onset. We’re talking a 70% reduction in the need for hospitalization.

More Information

I had no idea that this therapeutic infusion treatment is so readily available to people before watching Rachel Maddow’s program tonight. I can’t provide a link to the segment now because it’s not yet on the website, but you might want to check it out tomorrow.

If you’re content to read articles, though, check out the links in this post. One (this one) details a program in El Centro, CA, where their healthcare system was on the verge of collapse in December due to so many Covid-19 patients. According to the report this evening on Maddow’s show, administration of monoclonal antibody therapy resulted in only 3% of 1250 symptomatic Covid-19 patients requiring hospitalization after receiving this treatment. That was a game changer for this community.

The trick is knowledge. Knowing it’s available. Knowing enough to ask for it.

Know What’s Out There

The main focus in this country presently is to get everyone vaccinated. We know that not everyone will choose to go that route. We also know that even though great strides are being made in getting ‘shots in arms,’ something like 50,000 people a day are still becoming infected.

I personally know of someone who lives nearby who contracted the virus three days after receiving his second vaccination. He was, luckily for him, immediate treated with monoclonal antibody therapy upon diagnosis and has pulled through remarkably well and quickly.

Knowledge is power. If you or someone you love is unlucky enough to come down with Covid-19, get on top of it. Have the information about this remarkably effective treatment at the ready so you can ask for it. And take heart – it should be free, or close to it. Depending upon your insurance coverage, there may be some charge for actually administering the infusion. But no matter what, it’s better than hospitalization. And it’s a damn sight better than a ventilator – or death.

(T-246)