Dr. Demitiri Yanez, from Bay St. Louis, has started prescribing his patients that test positive for the coronavirus anti-malaria drugs.
Yes, that’s right, a drug that treat a disease you get from mosquitos.
He started this just days after President Trump and his administration promoted this drug although it is not officially approved for fighting the new virus.
The one drug that President Trump has promoted is hydroxycholorquine (HCQ). This is an immunosuppressive drug and anti-parasite. Along with treating and preventing malaria, it can also treat lupus and arthritis. A common brand of this drug is Planquenil, and you do need a prescription.
A major side effect when taking HCQ is vision defects so when taken for 6 months, it is required you get eye exams. It is suggested they are done so frequently so vision defects can be detected and taking of the drug can be stopped. For more information, visit the American College of Rheumatology page, here.
Along with the anti-malaria drug, Dr. Yanez is also prescribing the antibiotic Zithromax, which is commonly referred to as a Z-pack.
Azithromycin, Z-Pack, is an antibiotic that can treat various bacterial infections. You do need a prescription for this medicine.
The coast doctor, said that he has seen much success with his coronavirus patients that he has prescribed these two medicines to.
Dr. Yanez told WLOX, “I have seen a turnaround in their symptoms sometimes as soon as four or five days,” that is a big improvement from the 14 day quarantine people are originally taking.
For the state of Mississippi, if you feel symptoms, you are asked to go through the C-Spire Health app or call your clinic ahead of time to schedule a testing time.
As of today, only 29% of positive coronavirus cases are hospitalized.
Remember, the state is under a shelter-in-place order as of Friday, April 3rd and it is set to last until Monday, April 20th.
This order restricts gatherings of 10 or more people, non-essential traveling, and non-essential businesses being open.
You are still able to travel for work for an essential busy, travel to the grocery store or to a restaurant to pick up food.
