Rescue therapy is available for high-risk COVID-19 groups in Bexar County

SAINT ANTHONY – Experts say that people in groups at high risk of developing complications from a COVID-19 infection should talk quickly with their doctors about infusion therapy after learning that they are COVID-19 positive.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said his latest test shows he is now negative on COVID-19 a week after giving a positive. The governor quickly received Regeneron monoclonal antibody therapy after testing positive.

The therapy is authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, single-dose outpatient treatment is given through the vein into the immune system of someone mildly infected with COVID-19 before symptoms can endanger their life.

Announcements

In early August, Bexar County opened the Regional Infusion Center at the Freeman Coliseum. According to the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council, those at high risk include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Those over 65

• BMI over 25 years

• Pregnancy

• Chronic kidney disease

• Diabetes

• Illness or immunosuppressive treatment

• Heart disease or high blood pressure

• Sickle cell disease

• Cerebral palsy

• Have a technological dependence related to medicine, such as a tracheotomy

More than 850 people have already received therapy in Bexar County in less than two weeks. Patients need a referral from a doctor, but those who do not have a primary care physician can call the center hotline for a test. Patients do not need to have insurance to receive the free service and can also do so at home.

Treatment should be done shortly after the patient has tested positive and shows symptoms to be effective. The monoclonal antibody infusion hotline number is 1-800-742-5990. For information on references, click here.