Lancaster Physician Summer 2021 - 17

SUMMER 2021
The Point Residences
101 N Queen, Lancaster
an adverse reaction can be treated if it occurs. About five percent of
people will experience minor, short-lived side effects such as nausea,
muscle aches, headaches, and flushing. When compared to people
given a placebo in the initial trials, the rates of side effects were very
similar. Time is a factor as well, as the medicine must be given within
10 days of the start of an individual's COVID symptoms.
The results of monoclonal antibodies are dramatic. People start to
feel better as quickly as one day after treatment. The risk of future hospitalization
after treatment with monoclonal antibodies is significantly
reduced by about 70 percent. The initial studies in high-risk people
show a reduction from as high as 15 percent risk of hospitalization
to less than five percent for those that are treated. The risk of death
is also greatly reduced after treatment-to a rate close to 0 percent.
If a person unfortunately does require hospitalization in the future
after monoclonal antibody treatment, the monoclonal infusion does
not affect any other treatments that may be used for severe infection.
Alas, people are still reluctant to receive this treatment after it has
been offered. The acceptance rate for the infusion at Penn Medicine
Lancaster General Health has been less than 50 percent by those
who are offered the treatment. With the severity of COVID-19 for
people with risk factors and the low risk of severe side effects from
the treatment, this is unfortunate. Discussing monoclonal antibodies
as a treatment option with someone's primary care physician can be
helpful at increasing the acceptance rate of the treatment.
Vaccination is still crucial for patients even after receiving the antibody
treatment. However, one must wait 90 days after the infusion
prior to being vaccinated. This is because the antibody could neutralize
the immune system's ability to respond to the vaccine, preventing a
good immune response after vaccination. People are safe from being
reinfected during the 90-day period because the antibodies remain
for a period of time in the body, and the body also is producing its
own antibodies against COVID-19 after an infection.
Despite now having a highly effective treatment before someone
is hospitalized, it is still vitally important that everyone who can be
immunized receives a vaccine to end this pandemic. Monoclonal
antibodies do not prevent a person from spreading the infection to
others, and people need to follow standard quarantine recommendations.
Additionally, there is still some risk of hospitalization after
monoclonal antibodies treatment while the data shows that the
risk of severe infection requiring hospitalization after vaccination is
incredibly low.
Monoclonal antibodies against COVID-19 are a very effective
treatment to prevent someone from progressing to a severe infection.
The risks of the treatment are very low and the benefits substantial
as the treatment reduces the risk of hospitalization and death for
those at risk.
Hyatt P. DeGreen III, DO (Tracy) | Lena Dumasia, MD
Enjoy the comfort of small city living with the luxury
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1,800 TO OVER 4,000 SQ. FT. | PRIVATE TERRACES
EXPANSIVE WINDOWS WITH SKYLINE VIEWS
BEAUTIFUL COMMUNITY ROOM | SECURE, DEDICATED
GROUND FLOOR PARKING WITH ACCESS TO
PRIVATE ELEVATOR FOR CONDO OWNERS
Contact: Anne M. Lusk, REALTOR®
717.291.9101 | aluskhomes@gmail.com | AnneLusk.com
Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.
SAME TRUSTED CANCER
CARE IN A NEW LOCATION.
Lancaster Cancer Center is
Relocating Summer 2021.
Our new location and infusion center will be
conveniently located at 703 Lampeter Road.
The new Center has been thoroughly planned with our
patients' comfort and wellness in mind and features
a private, covered entrance, plenty of convenient
parking, and a tranquil outdoor space.
New patients and second opinions are seen
within 24 hours, call 717.291.1313.
www.lancastercancercenter.com
LANCASTER 17 PHYSICIAN
http://www.AnneLusk.com http://www.lancastercancercenter.com
Lancaster Physician Summer 2021

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