Colton Underwood said in an interview that the hydroxychloroquine used to treat his coronavirus had negative side effects. While the former star of The Bachelor said taking the controversial drug did help him recover, he admitted it can be dangerous.
When Colton announced he had tested positive for COVID-19, it was a shock to many who figured the virus could only hurt elderly and immunocompromised people. Colton is both young and healthy, but still contracted the virus. It was a double-edged sword coming out to the public that he tested positive. The simple fact that Colton was able to receive a test was a sign of his own privilege, as many Americans much sicker have died without being tested. But through finding out he had coronavirus, Colton was able to spread the message of the seriousness of this virus. There are still many Americans who aren't taking this threat seriously, not taking social distancing cues and trying to go about their normal lives.
One of the words that has been in the news lately is hydroxychloroquine. It is an unproven treatment that has been touted by certain people as a potential remedy to the coronavirus. Colton said he took this and one other drug in hopes of feeling better. He was staying with the family of his girlfriend, Cassie Randolph, social distancing from them as they took care of him. He told Maria Menounos on her podcast Better Together that the medication did help. In five days, he felt better. He "didn't have night sweats anymore."
Mentioning to others that he took hydroxychloroquine was one that caused a stir. Colton said, "I was receiving hateful messages about promoting messages that aren't approved and taking drugs away from people who have Lupus." Even though it contributed to Colton feeling better, he admitted, "There's gnarly side effects to the medication." The Bachelor added that taking it with another medication isn't great for the heart, especially for people with pre-existing conditions.
It's great that Colton is feeling better. There is so much that we don't yet know about this virus, but it's clear anyone can get it. While there may be treatments that alleviate symptoms for some, there is not yet a drug or vaccine that has been widely proven to rid the virus from the system altogether. Until a permanent solution arises, our best bet is to listen to the medical professionals and health experts so we can be as informed as possible about the dangers of this virus.