Severe COVID-19 could be similar to bee sting anaphylaxis
Across the world, every clinician and Health department prescribe steroids to manage severe COVID-19. In fact, the RECOVERY Trial (Oxford) is currently testing higher dose steroids to see if further suppression of the immune system gives even better outcomes. Here is an interesting bee sting analogy.
All bee stings produce an immune response. It is usually a small wheal on the skin where the bee venom has been injected. It hurts for a short time but resolves quickly.
In small number of people, the immune response to bee venom causes a severe hypersensitivity reaction which can lead to hospitalisation and be fatal in some circumstances.
SARS-COV2 produces an immune response in all persons, usually in the form of transient lung inflammation. In a significant percentage, it is subclinical or asymptomatic. A small number have an exaggerated immune response that is described as severe COVID-19 leading to hospitalisation and can be fatal in some circumstances.
Bee sting anaphylaxis and severe COVID-19 respond to steroids.
What would happen if we combined higher dose steroids with antihistamines (Fluvoxamine - recently found to be beneficial and stabilizes mast cells) in severe COVID-19?
Does the scientific leadership understand COVID-19 well enough?