The Italian Medicines Agency AIFA warned against using Parvulan as a COVID-19 treatment and described it as dangerous to health. The Ministry of Health reported that the authorities have received numerous requests to purchase Parvulan. This antiviral drug, approved in Brazil but not Italy, is used to treat herpes zoster.
AIFA discovered that consumers in Italy are requesting Parvulan as an off-label drug for COVID-19 instead of using the approved vaccinations. The FDA has not validated Parvulan for preventing SARS-CoV-2 based on safety and efficacy criteria. The FDA Medical Advisory Committee has not approved using Parvulan in medical trials.
The anticipated use of the product as an alternative to approved vaccines poses a risk to human health, according to AIFA. The agency reports that the risk comes from the uncertainty of Parvulan’s use and the false sense of security it creates, as its effectiveness remains unproven. India discovered the first case of herpes simplex virus in a COVID-19 patient.
What is this disease, and how deadly is it?
According to the Cedars Sinai Hospital website, the herpes simplex virus remains dormant in the nerve fibers for life. The COVID-19 pandemic has complicated patient treatment strategies due to numerous infections.
Read more: The Influence of COVID-19 on Herpes Dating Platforms
Recently, public support was requested on social media. The goal is to cover treatment costs for a COVID-19 patient with herpes simplex virus and other conditions. Sunshine Hospital in Gachibowli, Secunderabad, is treating this patient. The patient has pyrexia of unknown origin, Kikuchi disease, meningitis, leptospira, herpes simplex virus, malignancy, and acute pneumonia due to COVID-19.
News18 reported the first case of a highly fatal herpes simplex virus infection in a hospital in Ghaziabad, near Delhi. As reported by News18, Ghaziabad doctor B.P. Tyagi discovered the first case of herpes simplex in India in a patient’s nose. Dr Tyagi described the virus as “extremely dangerous” and added that if left untreated, the virus could kill more people than Covid-19.
Herpes simplex viruses
The herpes simplex virus causes this annoying and often painful chronic disease—the herpes blisters (lesions) usually last between one week and ten days.
The tongue, lips, gums, and upper and lower parts of the mouth are usually the infected regions. The sores begin as fluid-filled blisters that burst (break open) within a day or two. Virus-infected fluid oozes from the lesions. HSV-2 disease is most commonly associated with genital herpes.
The dangers of misusing antiviral medicines
Antiviral drugs target specific viruses and are not interchangeable. Using Parvulan, which is approved for treating herpes zoster, for COVID-19 can be extremely risky. Parvulan may not effectively combat the SARS-CoV-2 virus and could cause serious side effects or adverse reactions in patients.
Regulators have expressed concern about the many applications of importing Parvulan to treat COVID-19. This indicates a growing demand for alternative therapies due to the ongoing pandemic and the lack of approved treatments. However, the use of unapproved drugs outside of clinical trials is not only illegal but also potentially dangerous.
Can you catch the coronavirus through sex?
Any regular contact (within 2 meters) with an infected person can infect you with the virus and trigger coronavirus disease 2019.
The virus is excreted via the respiratory tract when you spit, cough, sneeze, or speak. Touching or other sexual acts where you come into contact with a person’s spit can expose you to the virus.
COVID-19 carriers may transfer respiratory particles to their skin and personal belongings. If they touch these areas and then come into contact with their mouth, nose, or eyes, a sexual encounter could trigger the disease.
Additionally, people can transmit COVID-19 through contact with excrement. Although no evidence shows that the COVID-19 virus spreads through semen or vaginal secretions, researchers have found the virus in the semen of infected individuals.
The vaccination works
Authorities recommend resuming daily activities after vaccination but with caution. You achieve complete protection 14 days after receiving two doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or a single dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Contact others only if you have been vaccinated, including avoiding sex with anyone who is not your roommate.
If you or your partner feel unwell or suspect you have COVID-19, wait until you both feel better before kissing or having sex. Refrain from sex if either you or your partner are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 infection due to a chronic illness.
Masturbation is the safest form of sexual activity during the COVID-19 epidemic. If you have not been vaccinated against COVID-19, clean your hands and any sex toys you use before and after masturbation.
To maintain anonymity, you can communicate with your partner via text, photos, or videos, preferably via a secure network.
There are many other ways to build or maintain intimacy with a partner, even without sex. Just date online, pick your favorite music, send messages, and dress up for each other. Be inventive.
If you are not vaccinated and have sex with anyone outside your home, take the following measures to reduce your risk of catching the COVID-19 virus:
Limit the number of sexual contacts you have. Do not enter into sexual relationships with people who have COVID-19. Avoid touching. Avoid sexual acts involving body fluids that can cause infections through oral-fecal transmission. Use condoms, dental protection, and masks during oral and anal sex. Clean and wash your hands during sexual activity. Clean sex toys thoroughly before and after use.
The search for effective COVID-19 treatments
The search for effective COVID-19 treatments is ongoing, and researchers worldwide are working tirelessly to develop new drugs and vaccines. However, this process takes time, and patients and healthcare providers must remain patient and follow the correct protocols.
In the meantime, patients and healthcare providers must work together to manage COVID-19 symptoms and prevent the spread of the virus. This includes good hygiene, wearing masks, and maintaining social distancing. Patients should also take care of their health and see a doctor if they experience severe symptoms or have health problems that put them at higher risk.
Read more: Debunking Myths: 5 Facts vs. Fictions About Herpes
Conclusion
The Italian Medicines Agency AIFA warned against using antiviral drugs for COVID-19, underlining the need for responsible use of medicines. It also underlines the importance of following proper medical protocols.
Using unapproved drugs outside of clinical trials is illegal. It is also potentially dangerous. Such actions can delay the development of effective therapies.
Patients and healthcare providers must work together in the search for COVID-19 therapies. We need to control the pandemic and prevent the virus’s spread. We protect ourselves and our communities by following correct protocols and using medicines responsibly. This will help us work towards a safer and healthier future.
