Looking back at the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the surge of infections sweeping across the globe resulted in a lot of fear and anxiety. Many of us had friends and family members who contracted the virus; some of us contracted the virus ourselves.
COVID-19 claimed millions of lives and put severe pressure on healthcare systems worldwide, creating a rise in the popularity of telehealth services. Scientists worked on two fronts to combat this deadly disease. The first was to create vaccines. The second was to discover the best drug cocktail to treat severe manifestations of the disease.
One medication that has been the focus of intense study for its potential in treating COVID-19 is azithromycin. Let’s delve into this medication and explore its role in the fight against COVID-19.
What Is Azithromycin?
Azithromycin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic. It is often prescribed for diseases caused by bacteria that can cause ear infections, pneumonia, upper respiratory infections, throat infections, and STDs.
It belongs to a class of antibiotics known as macrolides. Different antibiotics have different mechanisms of action in fighting bacteria. Macrolides like azithromycin work by interfering with bacterial protein synthesis. When bacteria cannot synthesize protein, they will die, thus helping the body to fight and get rid of the infection.
Azithromycin and COVID-19
Antibiotics are not used to treat viral infections. The public sometimes assumes that bacteria and viruses are one and the same. In fact, they are two different types of microorganisms. Antibiotics, no matter how strong, are ineffective in treating diseases that have a viral origin.
Azithromycin, however, was initially considered a potential drug for treating COVID-19 due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation occurs in patients who experience severe symptoms of the disease. Therefore, medical professionals carried out a clinical trial to study its efficacy in treating severe symptoms of COVID-19.
The preliminary data analysis from a UK randomized controlled trial found that azithromycin offers no clinical benefit in treating COVID-19. This means that a patient who has contracted COVID-19 will not experience any relief in their symptoms by taking this medication. Instead, azithromycin should only be prescribed if there is evidence of bacterial infection.
It can also be prescribed in severe COVID-19 cases where bacterial causes of X-ray lung findings (e.g., pneumonia) cannot be excluded.
Our Current Understanding of COVID-19 Treatment
Since the early days of the pandemic, our understanding of COVID-19 and its treatment has advanced significantly. Vaccines have been developed and widely distributed, providing substantial protection against severe illness and hospitalization. Treatments for COVID-19 have also evolved, with antiviral medications such as remdesivir and monoclonal antibodies being used to treat patients with severe symptoms.
The focus has shifted towards vaccines and other treatments specifically targeting the virus rather than repurposing existing antibiotics like azithromycin. Public health measures, vaccination campaigns, and antiviral treatments have been pivotal in managing and reducing the virus’s impact.
Conclusion
Azithromycin should not be routinely prescribed for COVID-19 infections because it does not help fight the disease. Instead, it may actually lead to the development of antibiotic resistance. It can also cause side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and more.
If you are experiencing symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, such as fever, dry cough, or fatigue, take control of your health by getting tested as soon as possible and isolating yourself from others to avoid spreading the disease. If you experience shortness of breath, take the responsible step of going to your nearest emergency department. For milder COVID-19 symptoms, you can arrange for a telemedicine consultation via QuickMD for advice and treatment.
As we continue to navigate the pandemic, staying informed about the latest developments and following public health guidelines remain crucial in protecting ourselves and our communities.
