A great deal of research is being conducted on this virus and “Since Dec. 11, 2020, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine has been available under EUA [Emergency Use Authorization] in individuals 16 years of age and older, and the authorization was expanded to include those 12 through 15 years of age on May 10, 2021”.<ref>[https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-covid-19-vaccine] FDA</ref> Medication in current use include the antiviral drugs lopinavir–ritonavir, interferon-1β, the dangerous and expensive RNA polymerase inhibitor remdesivir, and [[hydroxychloroquine]].<ref name="Fauci" />
Because of the [[virus]]' ability to replicate exponentially it is difficult to calculate the total number of people infected, as well as a definitive mortality rate. Quantifying total infections is hampered by the number of test kits available, as well as trained personnel to interpret the results of a novel, previously unknown, virus. The exponential rate of infections can overwhelm healthcare facilities and healthcare givers. With only experimental treatments available for a previously unknown virus, experts Experts recommend persons with symptoms remain home so as to not infect others, or even if your symptoms are unrelated to COVID-19 you could become infected at hospitals where carriers likely are present.
Many carriers of the virus show no symptoms at all, and may never show symptoms. Social distancing, remaining at least 6 feet away from other people, is recommended to avoid infection and for an untested, [[asymptomatic]] (showing no symptoms) carrier to avoid spreading the virus. Each survivor of the virus must build immunity through antibodies. Therefore, the size of a person's initial exposure to the virus is crucial.