Senator Richard Gordon, the chairperson and CEO of Philippine Red Cross is calling on covid-19 survivors to donate convalescent plasma that is very helpful in speeding up the recovery of covid patients in the hospital. Convalescent plasma is a blood plasma taken from people who have recovered from COVID-19. It contains antibodies that can recognize and neutralize SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, as well as other components that may contribute to an immune response.
Preliminary observational studies conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) indicates that convalescent plasma may improve outcomes among severely ill and hospitalized patients with COVID-19. “The evidence on convalescent plasma as a treatment for severe cases of COVID-19 is promising but incomplete. We need to carry out rigorous randomized control clinical trials to determine how this therapy can improve outcomes,” said NIH Director Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D. “While the world waits for an effective vaccine, it is vital that we simultaneously expand the options for available treatments for those currently suffering from the worst effects of this disease.”
For those who are willing to donate, please contact the PRC Convalescent Plasma Center Hotline at 917-582-0499 and 915-399-7718
