Study on COVID Steroid

Steroid could be used coronavirus treatment

This morning, we're learning more about a new study that shows certain steroids can help patients survive the coronavirus.

Researchers in england say there is evidence dexa- methasone can reduce the number of deaths in serious cases.

Waay 31's rodneya ross joins us live outside huntsville hospital this morning.

Rodneya -- we talked to an infectious disease specialist with the hospital.

What did he have to say about the study?

Doctor ali haussan told us huntsville hospital is not currently using dexa-methasone -- but they are using another steroid called prednisone to treat some patients with the virus.

However, he said there still isn't enough research to know it's effectiveness .

Doctor hassoun says steroids help fight inflammation-- but he'll only give them to the sickest patients because they can have adverse effects.

The research done in england estimates the steroid would prevent death in one in every eight patients treated while on a breathing machine.

Doctor hassoun says there isn't one treatment people should feel comfortable with just yet, and you should still try to avoid getting sick.

Dr. ali hassoun, infectious disease specialist, "we don't have a bullet proof treatment.

We don't have a treatment where we can be comfortably saying this is the best thing we can definitely use it and our patient is going to be good."

Doctor hassoun told us steroids are widely available and affordable -- but that could change if steroids are proven to help coronavirus patients.

He also said the study is promising -- but he'd like to see more data on how steroids can help fight coronavirus.

Reporting live in hsv, rr,