Controversies’ clarification regarding ribavirin efficacy in measles and coronaviruses: Comprehensive therapeutic approach strictly tailored to COVID-19 disease stages

Core Tip

Core Tip: Documented by accumulated data from coronaviruses studies and considering six identified pitfalls to which most of the studies fall victim, the early antiviral treatment is crucial for reducing viral load, transmission, and preventing disease severity. In coronavirus disease 2019, initiation of interferon-β plus ribavirin plus lopinavir/ritonavir is beneficial when targeting selected patients early during Stage I, and is a regimen that can be administered while the patient is at home in quarantine. If disease progresses to Stages IIb-III, corticosteroids (mainly pulsed methylprednisolone) are effective, but if they fail or extrapulmonary systemic hyperinflammation syndrome develops, tocilizumab (or anakinra) should be co-administered.