Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) are a specific type of treatment where the monoclonal antibodies step in and act like your own antibodies. They help stop your symptoms from worsening and can play an essential role in helping prevent hospitalization for COVID-19. 

The mAb treatment does this by blocking the virus that causes COVID-19 from getting into your body’s cells. It helps limit the spread of the virus in your body, resulting in milder symptoms. 

It is important to note that Monoclonal Antibody Treatment is not a replacement for a vaccine. It is a treatment given if you currently have a COVID-19 infection. You will need a doctor’s referral to get this medication.

Your body uses antibodies to fight against infection. However, your body may not have developed antibodies yet for new or novel viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2 (one of the viruses that cause COVID-19). 

Monoclonal antibodies, or mAbs, are created in a lab to fight a specific infection and are given to you via an infusion. The mAb treatment gives you the antibodies to fight and protect your body against COVID-19. 

Although it doesn’t replace getting vaccinated, it can help protect you, especially if you are at risk for developing severe COVID-19. 

mAb treatment is offered at infusion centers because the treatment is given to you through an IV infusion. You can also receive mAb treatment as a shot or series of shots. The entire process can take between 1 to 3 hours. 

The medical staff will conduct a health screening when you show up for your treatment. Then they will start the IV, delivering the mAb directly into your body. Or you can elect to get a shot instead. 

After you receive the treatment, you will stay at the infusion center for at least an hour. That way, the medical team can monitor you to ensure you don’t experience any side effects, such as an allergic reaction. 

Side effects are rare, but if you experience any, you will be somewhere safe where the medical team can respond right away. 

After monitoring, you can go home and continue to heal. You should start to feel better, but you could still spread the virus. You are going to want to isolate yourself at home until:

1. Five days have passed since you experienced your first COVID-19 symptoms. 
2. You do not record any fever for 24 hours without needing fever-reducing medication. 
3. Your other COVID-19-related symptoms are improved. 

To receive mAb, you must get a treatment referral from your healthcare provider. We can provide you with a referral at West Hills Allergy & Asthma Associates if we feel you qualify for this treatment. 

Steps for getting monoclonal antibody treatment include:

1. Testing positive for COVID-19 and have symptoms for less than seven days.
2. Getting a referral from your healthcare professional.
3. Finding an infusion location.  

Call West Hills Allergy & Asthma Associates for help with treating your COVID-19. Let our friendly staff and board-certified physicians care for you and your family.

For a consultation with Dr. Rene Anderson-Cowell, you can call us at (503) 297-4779 or request an appointment online.