Coronabehandelingen

Coronabehandelingen are medical interventions used to diagnose, treat, and prevent COVID‑19, the illness caused by the SARS‑CoV‑2 virus. The main goals are to reduce viral load, mitigate disease severity, prevent complications, and support recovery. These treatments are implemented in hospitals, outpatient settings, and community programs and are guided by evolving scientific evidence and regulatory approvals.

Treatments are broadly divided into antiviral, immunomodulatory, supportive, and preventive approaches. Antiviral therapies include remdesivir, an RNA polymerase inhibitor, and oral agents such as molnupiravir and the protease inhibitor nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid). These drugs are most effective when started early in symptomatic patients, especially those at high risk of progression. Monoclonal antibodies targeting the viral spike protein, such as bebtelovimab, provide passive immunity but their efficacy depends on the circulating variant and is often limited to the early phase of infection.

Immunomodulators are used in more severe disease. Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, reduces mortality in patients requiring oxygen or mechanical ventilation by dampening the hyperinflammatory response. Tocilizumab, an IL‑6 receptor blocker, and baricitinib, a JAK inhibitor, are also employed in select cases to control cytokine release syndrome.

Supportive care remains the cornerstone of treatment. Oxygen therapy, anticoagulation to prevent thrombotic complications, and management of organ dysfunction are indispensable in hospitalized patients. Early mobilization, nutrition, and delirium prevention are also critical components of comprehensive care.

Preventive measures complement therapeutic options. Prophylactic monoclonal antibodies such as tixagevimab/cilgavimab have been authorized for high‑risk individuals who cannot mount an adequate vaccine response. Vaccination remains the primary strategy for reducing infection rates, severe disease, and death, and updated bivalent vaccines target emerging variants.

Clinical guidelines from agencies such as the WHO, EMA, and national health authorities are regularly updated to reflect new evidence. Healthcare professionals must remain apprised of eligibility criteria, drug interactions, and side‑effect profiles to optimize outcomes for patients with COVID‑19.