Bird flu treatment strategy helps save COVID-19 patients

The treatment strategy for the H7N9 bird flu outbreak in China seven years ago has been proved helpful in saving COVID-19 patients, a senior public health expert said. 

By applying the treatment therapy, the mortality rate of coronavirus patients in serious condition has been greatly reduced in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province, the area worst hit by the novel coronavirus epidemic in China, Li Lanjuan, a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and an expert advising National Health Commission, said on Tuesday. 

At Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, a top public hospital in Wuhan, for example, death rates for several ill patients have been reduced to almost zero due to the therapy, she said. 

An effective drug for COVID-19 is still unavailable, and doctors have been exploring to find the most effective ways to treat patients. A vaccine for the disease will be available for use by the next half of the year, Li predicted. 

The treatment therapy includes anti-viral, anti-shock, anti-hyoxemia and anti-secondary infection, and maintaining water, electrolyte and acid base balance, and microecological balance.

Meanwhile, integrated multidisciplinary, personalized treatment is recommended to improve the therapeutic effect, Li said.