NUECES COUNTY, Texas — In order to help try and slow the influx of COVID-19 patients our local hospitals are seeing, Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales announced the opening of a rapid infusion center.
The goal of that center is to help treat "at risk" folks who are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms and in turn keep them out of the hospital.
"There are people who are sick now," said Judge Barbara Canales during a press conference Tuesday. "There are people who need help now."
That help is happening in the form of infusion treatment. It works by administering a Regeneron antibody cocktail.
Canales said it would be done through injection or intravenous infusion.
If received early enough, the monoclonal antibodies help your body get a jump on the virus.
"We're trying to tackle these vulnerable," said Canales. "We think would be highly likely to experience severe symptoms."
Right now, folks are receiving the treatment in the parking lot of the old Christus Spohn Memorial hospital inside of tents, but according to Canales, it's just a bridge until a larger location is established at the Richard Borchard Fairgrounds in Robstown.
Canales said Nueces County is one of five approved designated rapid infusion centers to be provided by the state.
Patients who are eligible for the therapy are those who have tested positive for COVID-19 but have not yet developed severe symptoms.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, to qualify for this particular infusion center, you must be 12 years old or older, weigh at least 88 pounds and fall into one or more high risk groups.
- Age 65 or older
- Obese or overweight with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or greater
- Pregnant
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Condition that disrupts or suppresses the immune system, such as HIV or leukemia
- Currently receiving immunosuppressive treatments (after a transplant, for example)
- Cardiovascular disease or hypertension
- Chronic lung disease, including moderate to severe asthma
- Sickle cell disease
- Neurodevelopmental disorders or other complex medical conditions
- Medical-related technological dependence, (a tracheostomy or gastrostomy, for example)
Talk to your doctor if you're not sure whether you qualify.
Canales said while this form of treatment has already been happening in the Coastal Bend, the fairgrounds will be able to provide more room to accommodate an even greater number of patients as cases continue to rise.
"Where we can bring 30 beds into exhibit hall A," said Canales.
It's slated to open on Friday, August 13.
No walk in patients will be allowed and you will need a doctor's referral.
If you don't have a doctor the COVID clinic can refer you, just call 361-826-8019.