As we continue our journey through the COVID-19 pandemic aftermath, we need to be aware that there continues to be an uptick in cases in some parts of the country. Hospitalizations were up again this month, and we are seeing more people donning masks again as a precaution. Does it concern me? Maybe a little but then I think about the many people who were infected and were treated effectively with anti-viral medications, and I feel a little better.

Not so fast, sadly, there is new research that one of the anti-viral drugs (molnupiravir) may actually be causing mutations in the virus and fueling the evolution of new variants! That said, there is no evidence that molnupiravir has produced more dangerous variants of COVID however, scientists say the mutations increased the genetic diversity of the virus and provided more options for future evolution.

An interesting finding regarding the effectiveness of molnupiravir was that while the drug reduced levels of virus in the first week, however, levels appear to rise again at two weeks. Why? Because researchers believe that the drug drives down the virus but creates mutated versions, causing an increase in symptoms. Wow, lots of research and COVID continues to trump us. Don’t let your guard down especially during this upcoming “flu season”. Be sure your physicians are aware of the benefits and risks associated with using anti-viral medications, the cure may be worse than the disease! Stay well and stay informed!