Which two treatments were found to assist severely ill COVID-19 patients in August?

The correct answer highlights the use of Remdesivir and dexamethasone as effective treatments for severely ill COVID-19 patients, as supported by numerous studies and clinical guidelines around August 2020. Remdesivir is an antiviral medication that has been shown to reduce the time to recovery in hospitalized patients, particularly those requiring supplemental oxygen. It works by inhibiting viral replication, which is crucial for controlling the spread of the virus within the body.

Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, is effective in reducing inflammation and modulating the immune response. Research has demonstrated that it significantly decreases mortality in patients with severe COVID-19, especially those on mechanical ventilation or requiring oxygen support. The combination of these two treatments addresses both the viral infection and the immune response, which is critical in managing severe cases.

The other treatment combinations mentioned do not have the same level of strong evidence supporting their efficacy for severely ill COVID-19 patients during that time period. For example, ivermectin was investigated early on for COVID-19, but robust clinical evidence supporting its use in severe cases was lacking. Similarly, favipiravir and hydroxychloroquine have not shown significant benefits for critically ill patients, and azithromycin, while an antibiotic, does not