Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, the capital of China's Hubei province, and has since spread globally, resulting in the ongoing 2019–20
Common symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, and loss of smell and taste. While the majority of cases result in mild symptoms, some progress to viral pneumonia, multi-organ failure, or cytokine storm. The time from exposure to onset of symptoms is typically around five days but may range from two to fourteen days.
The role Pharmacists During the COVID-19 Pandemic :
Infectious Disease Pharmacists
As members of hospital-based teams, infectious disease pharmacists are using their extensive medication expertise to promote the appropriate use of antibiotics and antiviral medications to treat patients who have, or are at greater risk for contracting, COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. Infectious disease pharmacists are also experts on stopping the spread of a disease in a patient or population.Hospital Pharmacists
Pharmacists are important members of interprofessional health care teams in hospitals. Hospital pharmacists serve a vital role in managing the medication therapies of patients who are hospitalized due to COVID-19 or related illnesses. They also help to care for patients with underlying chronic medical conditions that may make them more vulnerable to the virus, such as lung disease, cancer, heart failure, and diabetes.Community Pharmacists
As the most accessible members of any health care team (90 percent of Americans live within 5 miles of a pharmacist), community pharmacists have the opportunity to connect with people on a daily basis. By recommending treatments for those with minor viruses, giving flu shots, and offering advice for staying healthy, community pharmacists are playing an active role in educating the public and preventing the spread of COVID-19.Industry Pharmacists
Industry pharmacists work in a variety of roles, including drug development and delivery. Many pharmacists in the pharmaceutical industry work in laboratories to develop medications and vaccines to prevent and treat illnesses. In the case of the COVID-19, industry pharmacists are playing an active role in conducting clinical trials of a new coronavirus vaccineCompounding Pharmacists
Compounding pharmacists provide patients with personalized medication based on their preferences and restrictions. Due to the shortage in many communities, some compounding pharmacies have started making hand sanitizers as well using alcohol and aloe vera as key ingredients.Ways Pharmacists Are Preventing the Spread of COVID-19
While we only listed a few above, pharmacists in every practice area are playing a big role in caring for patients and preventing the COVID-19 pandemic from spreading further.Educating the Public
Pharmacists across the country, especially those who work with members of the public on a daily basis, are in a unique position to educate people about COVID-19 and how it spreads. By doing so, pharmacists are arming people with the knowledge necessary to make informed, healthy decisions.Sharing Reliable Resources
As we all know, the internet is currently filled with articles, videos, and posts about COVID-19. But not all of these resources are accurate. As highly-educated health professionals, pharmacists are able to share reliable and accurate information about the coronavirus with their patients and the public. They are knowledgeable about the spread of COVID-19, possible treatment options, and prevention methods, and are therefore able to help reduce panic and prevent the spread of COVID-19.Serving as Role Models for Healthy Behavior
Many pharmacists interact with patients every day. By serving as role models for healthy, preventative behavior—like regular hand washing and wearing gloves—pharmacists are able to show the general public that they’re taking the threat of COVID-19 seriously.
Pharmacists are responsible for:
- the quality of medicines supplied to patients
- ensuring that the supply of medicines is within the law
- ensuring that the medicines prescribed to patients are suitable
- advising patients about medicines, including how to take them, what reactions may occur, and answering patients' questions.
Pharmacists also:
- supervise the medicines supply chain and ensure pharmacy premises and systems are fit for purpose
- advise other healthcare professionals about safe and effective medicines use and safe and secure supply of medicines
- respond to patients' symptoms and advise on medicines for sale in pharmacies
- provide services to patients, such as smoking cessation, blood pressure measurement, and cholesterol management
- supervise the production and preparation of medicines and assessments of the quality of medicines before they are supplied to patients from pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Source-
https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/raising-concerns/raising-concerns-about-pharmacy-professional/what-expect-your-pharmac.
https://pharmacyforme.org/2020/03/19/pharmacists-helping-manage-prevent-covid-19.
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