COVID-19 (coronavirus disease-2019) is a contagious illness that has been declared a global epidemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). The coronavirus causes diseases ranging in severity from the
common cold to severe
respiratory diseases and death. Coronavirus primarily affects blood pressure by attaching to the
angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE 2) receptor. This virus has an impact on multiple organ systems, including the central nervous system, immune system, cardiovascular system, peripheral nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, endocrine system, urinary system, skin, and pregnancy. For the prevention of
COVID-19, various
vaccines such as viral-like particle
vaccines, entire inactivated virus
vaccines, viral vector
vaccines, live attenuated virus
vaccines, subunit vaccines, RNA vaccines, and
DNA vaccines are now available. Some of the
COVID-19 vaccines are reported to cause a variety of adverse effects that range from mild to severe in nature. SARS-CoV-2 replication is controlled by the
RNA-Dependent RNA-Polymerase enzyme (RdRp). The availability of FDA-approved anti-RdRp drugs (
Ribavirin,
Remdesivir,
Sofosbuvir,
Galidesivir, and
Tenofovir) as potent drugs against SARS-CoV-2 that tightly bind to its RdRp may aid in the treatment of patients and reduce the risk of the mysterious new form of
COVID-19 viral infection. RdRp inhibitors, such as
remdesivir (an anti-Ebola virus experimental
drug) and
favipiravir (an anti-
influenza drug), inhibit RdRp and thus slow the progression of
COVID-19 and associated clinical symptoms, as well as significantly shorten recovery time.
Molnupiravir, an orally active RdRp inhibitor and noval broad spectrum
antiviral agent, is an isopropyl
pro-drug of
EIDD-1931 for emergency use.
Galidesivir's in vitro and in vivo activities are limited to
RNA of human public health concern. Top seeds for
antiviral treatments with high potential to combat the SARS-CoV-2 strain include
guanosine derivatives (IDX-184),
setrobuvir, and YAK. The goal of this review is to compile scattered information on available
COVID-19 vaccines and other treatments for protecting the human body from their harmful effects and to provide options for making better choices in a timely manner.