Coronavirus treatments and when we could see a vaccine

CHICAGO (NewsNation Now) — In recent months, but especially in the last few days with President Donald Trump hospitalized, we’ve heard names like Remdesivir and Dexamethasone used frequently and mentioned as potential coronavirus treatments.

NewsNation is bringing you just the facts about the virus, the treatments available and how doctors feel about them as a long-term option. Plus, when we can expect to see a vaccine readily available for nationwide distribution.

Treatments

Some of the treatments currently utilized around the country both in hospitals and by people quarantining at home include some over the counter options available at local pharmacies, antiviral medication including Remdesivir and steroids like Dexamethasone.

NewsNation talked to two experts: Dr. Dean Winslow, professor of medicine at Stanford University Medical Center with more than 40 years of experience and Dr. Nasia Safdar, a faculty member at the University of Wisconsin’s Division of Infectious Disease.

Safdar also received the President’s Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers beginning their careers.

Vaccines

At the same time, there are ongoing efforts across the globe to develop a coronavirus vaccine.

We’ve gotten mixed messages about when we can expect a reliable vaccine to be rolled out, with some estimating one could be ready by the end of the year and others saying it could be mid-to-late next year.

NewsNation spoke to Dr. Amesh Adalja, assistant professor and senior scholar at Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security.

Adalja is also an advisor to the U.S. government on infectious disease emergencies.

He talked with NewsNation to give an update on the current status of the vaccine development and trials.

Watch the full interviews in the player above.