The World Health Organization has stressed that a common steroid, dexamethasone, is by no means a ‘cure-all’ for Covid-19. The drug is a low-cost prescription anti-inflammatory available worldwide.

Early findings have suggested that, for hospitalized coronavirus patients on oxygen, Dexamethasone can reduce COVID-19 fatalities by about one-fifth. The Saudi Gazette reports that according to research by the University of Oxford for patients on ventilators, mortality is reduced by a third. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “This is very welcome news for those patients with severe illness.” However, he added that Dexamethasone is of no value for those with mild symptoms who do not require respiratory support.

Meanwhile, Michael Ryan, Executive Director of the WHO’s Health Emergencies Program warned that Dexamethasone is associated with viral replication.

The WHO is awaiting further information before drawing up clinical guidelines for public health authorities around the globe.

Umm Muhammed Umar