It’s truly great news Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics tested their influenza medication on coronavirus patients, and found it reduces severe symptoms. Folk are already asking will the MERCK antiviral pill replace vaccine as a way out the pandemic. It’s a great idea, but on sober reflection it’s only part of the solution. We explore reasons why in this post.
We have Three Angles of Attack on the Virus
The virus is a microscopic bio mechanism that preys on our human weaknesses. These susceptibilities are we are sociable creatures, and we cannot survive without breathing. We cannot stop breathing, but we can avoid breathing on each other. Face masks and social distancing are therefore our first angle of attack.
If the virus gets past our human shields of masking and social distancing, then it follows our in-drawn breath into our lungs. There, it latches onto human cells using a boarding mechanism doctors call a ‘spike protein’. Vaccines prevent this union happening. They are thus our second line of attack.
However, the virus is still able to get past this defense in 10% of cases, causing the COVID-19 disease. The severity of the disease depends on two factors. Those factors are (a) vaccine’s ability to reduce that severity, and (b) medication’s ability to counter the symptoms. The MERCK antiviral pill is one of those medications.
Therefore the MERCK Antiviral Pill Cannot Replace Vaccine
‘This [medicine]can be used in conjunction with the vaccine. But it’s not an alternative to vaccination,’ Dr. Scott Gottlieb told CNN October 1, 2021. He is former commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration so we rely on his credentials.
However, this does not downplay the significance of having an orally-available COVID-19 treatment in tablet form. The MERCK antiviral pill will not replace vaccine. But is a powerful weapon in our third angle of attack on the virus.
Breaking News
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Preview Image: Antiviral Strategies / Technology
