Since the start of the year, the world has changed — and not just in terms of the economy. With the arrival of SARS-CoV-2, also known as COVID-19, the coronavirus, and the pandemic it caused, the social, professional, and sexual lives of many people have been upended.
While the majority of coronavirus cases are mild, there is currently no reliable way of knowing how severe the pandemic will be in the long term. There is also no known cure for COVID-19, which is constantly changing. However, one thing that has not changed is people’s need for Viagra.
Is Viagra the only way to treat coronavirus? Can the erectile dysfunction drug help with COVID-19? We took a look at the evidence to find out.
What Is COVID-19?
First discovered in the United States in late 2019, coronavirus (COVID-19) is a kind of corona virus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are known to cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as SARS and MERS.
Like other corona viruses, COVID-19 primarily attaches to specific proteins and receptors on the surface of cells in order to enter. The primary means of spread for COVID-19 is via respiratory droplets, which are the visible droplets that people with coughs or sneezes emit when they speak or cough. This mode of spread makes it highly contagious. As of May 4th, there are currently over 100 million cases of COVID-19 worldwide and more than 4 million people have died from the disease.
Since its discovery in the US in early 2020, the Trump administration’s approach to the pandemic has been controversial. With a lack of research and too many missteps, the US became a global hotspot for COVID-19, with New York state soon becoming the nation’s pandemic epicenter. Despite the administration’s missteps, the recovery of the US economy has been extraordinary. The unemployment rate fell to a record low in April and May, while the financial crisis that some observers predicted would be unprecedented in modern history never materialized. Economists now estimate that the US will easily surpass its pre-pandemic job levels by June or July.
Why Is Viagra Still Popular?
Even before the pandemic, people with erectile dysfunction (or ED) were likely to turn to Viagra in their time of need. ED is the inability of a man to achieve or maintain an erection that’s sufficient for sexual activity. It’s a very common problem, especially among men over 40. According to the American Cancer Society, over 30 million American men experience some form of ED. While Viagra has been shown to boost testosterone levels and improve sexual function in men with ED, studies have also shown that it can help men with low libido. In such individuals, Viagra can act as a natural aphrodisiac. And, like many prescription drugs, Viagra has been shown to reduce the symptoms of a number of diseases. These include cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Given all of these benefits, it’s not surprising that Viagra is one of the most popularly prescribed medications in the world. However, during the pandemic, more men are seeking help for COVID-19 than for any other condition. While there are no statistics available yet, it’s estimated that over 50% of COVID-19 patients experience some form of ED. This is likely due to the fact that COVID-19 attacks the nervous system and causes changes in men’s sexual functioning. In particular, COVID-19 appears to impair the ability of the spermatogenic system in males to produce sperm. This, in turn, could explain the rise in Viagra prescriptions in recent months.
Is Viagra the Only Way to Treat COVID-19?
Based on the currently available evidence, it’s very difficult to say whether Viagra is the only way to treat COVID-19. While there are no clinical trials investigating the use of Viagra for COVID-19, there is a large body of evidence suggesting that it may be beneficial in the treatment of this disease. For instance, animal studies have shown that Viagra can reduce the symptoms of COVID-19 and may even be effective in preventing the disease. Similarly, clinical trials with COVID-19 patients have shown that Viagra reduces the time that they need to recover from the disease and keeps their respiratory system stable.
While there are many unanswered questions regarding the use of Viagra for COVID-19, this drug may well be the beginning of the end of this pandemic.
In addition to Viagra, there are several other medications and medical procedures that have shown to be beneficial in the treatment of COVID-19. These include Chloroquine (which can prevent the entry of viruses into cells), Zinc (which plays a critical role in the immune system), and Remdesivir (an antiviral drug that works by inhibiting the action of viruses).
It should be noted that COVID-19 is uniquely susceptible to specific medications, particularly Remdesivir. However, these medications and procedures are not without risks. For instance, Chloroquine is an antimalarial drug that has been shown in animal studies to improve heart and lung function when used in combination with interferon b (one of the immune system’s key proteins). In humans, Chloroquine has been associated with cardiotoxicity, including irregular heart rhythms, QT prolongation, and ventricular tachycardia. Further studies are needed to assess the safety and efficacy of these medications in the treatment of COVID-19. Similarly, Remdesivir has not yet been approved for use in humans and there is a risk of nephrotoxicity.
In conclusion, while remdesivir and chloroquine are potential game changers for COVID-19 patients, they carry with them significant risks. These medications and procedures are not appropriate for everyone, especially those with heart problems or other health issues. Given that COVID-19 is a very contagious disease and that there is no proven way of preventing it, it’s imperative that men strive to keep their sexual health and wellbeing top of mind. Especially now, with the world changing and people adapting to new ways of life.