A Japanese Flu Drug Has Proven to Be Effective Against Coronavirus; 99% of Those Who Died in Italy From Coronavirus Had This in Common; and Trump Suspends Evictions, Authorizes the Defense Production Act.
Early trials look promising after a Japanese flu drug has proven to be effective in treating coronavirus. The antiviral drug, favipiravir, was tested on 340 patients. It was found to improve lung function and reduce recovery time, say medical authorities in China.
After infected patients were given the drug in Shenzhen and Wuhan, they tested negative for Covid-19 after a median of 4 days. Compare this to 11 days for those who were not treated with the drug.
“It has a high degree of safety and is clearly effective in treatment,” said Zhang Xinmin, an official at China’s Science and Technology Ministry, to reporters on Tuesday.
They also found that patients that took the medication experienced a 91% improvement in their lung condition. This is opposed to 62% in those who did not take it.
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A study by Italy’s national health authority has discovered that more than 99% of those who have died in Italy as a result of the coronavirus had something in common–they suffered from a previous medical condition.
Health authorities have been combing through data after the total deaths from coronavirus experienced a 150% increase over the past week. They seek clues to help fight the spread of the virus.
It is believed that this new study might help explain why Italy’s death rate has been higher than in other countries.
A fourth of the victims were found to have either one or two previous conditions, while almost half suffered from at least three prior illnesses. Only three of the victims had no previous pathology.
The study also found that a third suffered from heart disease. Also, 35% had diabetes and 75% had high blood pressure.
If you have a previous medical condition, such as diabetes, regularly managing afib, respiratory conditions or other health issues, you should consult with your doctor about how to stay safe.
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On Wednesday, President Donald Trump said that he is invoking the Defense Production Act. It will help mobilize the private production capacity in the U.S. to combat the Covid-19 outbreak.
He also announced that he will be “suspending all foreclosures and evictions until the end of April.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has also called on the Trump administration to aid the medical supply shortage.
“It’s used in times of war, but we must mobilize as if it were a time of war when it comes to hospital beds, supplies, and equipment,” said Schumer on Wednesday morning while addressing the Senate.
