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?:abstract
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At the end of 2019, a new disease, similar to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) associated with SARS-CoV was reported in Wuhan, China It was quickly discovered that the etiological factor of the new disease (COVID-19) was a previously unknown SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) The global spread of of COVID-19 has lead to the declaration of a pandemic status in 2019-2020 as declared by the World Health Organization and Public Health Emergency of International Concern SARS-CoV-2 characterizes with high epidemic potential and is effectively disseminated between humans SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 are closely related pathogens Their prime route of distribution is air-droplet transmission Combating infectious diseases disseminated by inhalation is very difficult, and mainly relies on the use of vaccines However, despite the lack of an effective anti-SARS-CoV vaccine and specific antiviral drugs, the strict sanitary procedures proved to be sufficient to stop the SARS epidemic in June 2003 However, epidemic research has indicated that SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted in humans significantly more effectively than SARS-CoV;therefore, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to expand This indicates that the so far anti-epidemic activities to control COVID-19 are insufficient In the current review, the possibility of using interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) as a preventive agent of COVID-19 is discussed The current data concerning anti-COVID-19 vaccines and specific drugs against SARS-CoV-2 are also discussed The aim of the current review is to contribute to the introduction of a more efficient strategy in the protection of the human population against COVID-19
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