COVID-19 Vaccine: What is the Status?

Coronavirus poses a real threat to many in the United States and around the world. Millions have been infected and while many of these individuals have survived, others have unfortunately passed away. At the moment, the big question is when a vaccine will be ready. Some places of work have refused to take employees back until they are vaccinated, but when that could be is hard to tell. There is much debate on how long the COVID-19 vaccine will take. 

What Is Coronavirus? 

Coronavirus stems from a family of viruses that all cause illnesses. These illnesses include mild colds to severe diseases, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV). Coronavirus is spread through aerosols (droplets that are full of a virus). These droplets are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, or talks. If droplets make their way into your mouth or nose, you have a high chance of becoming infected. These droplets can survive anywhere from an hour to days on certain surfaces. 

COVID-19 Symptoms 

Coronavirus symptoms present differently in each person and can range from mild to severe. These symptoms include headaches, body aches, fatigue, fever, chills, shortness of breath, coughing, congestion, nausea, sore throat, and diarrhea. Less common symptoms of coronavirus include diarrhea and nausea. More severe cases of COVID-19 could include severe acute respiratory syndrome, pneumonia, kidney failure, and even death. 

Status of COVID-19 Vaccine 

At the moment, there is a bit of debate on how soon the coronavirus vaccine could be ready. While some feel that a coronavirus could be manufactured by the end of 2020, others are less optimistic. There are currently 100 potential COVID-19 vaccines being worked on worldwide. The average time it takes to develop a vaccine is 2 years. According to Paula Cannon, Professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, there may be multiple vaccines. While we may come out with one version of the vaccine that is enough, better vaccines could be produced afterward to take its place. 

COVID-19 Treatment & Testing 

While there is no current cure for coronavirus, there are other ways of treating the symptoms of COVID-19. Pain relievers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and cough medication are great ways of relieving coughing and inflammation. Just as you would with the average cold, drinking plenty of fluids and resting will also help battle the symptoms of coronavirus. In more severe cases of COVID-19, patients may require hospital treatment. 

In the United States, COVID-19 testing is available in each state. RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction) testing is the most common form of COVID-19 testing. This test takes place by placing a swab at the back of a patient’s nasal passage, where it meets the throat. The swab will briefly sit here to collect secretions. This sample will then be tested. Patients who have previously had coronavirus can have their antibodies inspected. This method will not diagnose current cases of coronavirus, but is helpful if someone wants to know if they had it in the past. 

COVID-19 Testing Near Me 

If you are in the Bay Area and need a COVID-19 test quickly, BASS Urgent Care is your best bet. All it takes to get a test with us is a quick Telehealth consultation. After determining the best test for you, we will schedule to test you from your vehicle or our low-risk facility. BASS Urgent Care understands that you will want to quickly receive results, this is why we work hard to deliver test results within 48-72 hours. To book an appointment, call us at (925) 329-3718 or visit us online.