By Samuel Case, FISM News

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As scientists across the globe work around the clock to develop a safe vaccine to fight off COVID-19, doctors on the front lines are saving patient’s lives with increasingly effective treatments. New data is showing steroids to be the most effective treatment. The use of these cheap and readily-available drugs has been confirmed by the World Health Organization to save lives. 

According to STAT News, this information comes from a meta-analysis which is a “pooled look at data” and this information coincides with a UK study conducted in June. The particular type of steroids shown to be effective are known as corticosteroids. STAT explains this treatment works “by dampening the activity of a patient’s immune system to prevent it from attacking the lungs — a serious and often fatal condition called acute respiratory distress syndrome, or ARDS.” More simply put; this drug helps to improve breathing functions in the patient. 

The WHO released guidance for the use of corticosteroids. The statement says “We recommend systemic corticosteroids for the treatment of patients with severe and critical COVID-19.” The WHO recommends these drugs should only be used in severe cases, noting that they show “no benefits, and could even prove harmful” if used in mild cases. STAT also warns that if “given too early” there is a possibility the steroids might hurt the immune system’s ability to fight off the coronavirus infection. 

Sourced from STAT News, NPR, and the WHO