It’s important to receive antiviral treatment close to the onset of your symptoms.
Several treatments now exist, with varying effectiveness, for COVID-19. One of them is antiviral treatments. Two COVID-19 antivirals now available in the US and Canada are Remdesivir and Paxlovid. There is some debate around exactly how effective these treatments really are but they have proven to be effective for some people.
When you need to take COVID-19 antivirals
In order for COVID-19 antivirals to be effective they need to be taken during the initial days of a novel coronavirus infection. Throughout some parts of Canada, experts are advising Remdesivir be administered within the first seven days of the onset of symptoms. In the US, the FDA is recommending Paxlovid be taken within the first five days that symptoms arise.
How antivirals work
As antiviral medications, Paxlovid and Remdesivir work by blocking the receptors that COVID-19 binds to in your body. This makes it more difficult for the virus to enter your healthy cells and replicate. When taken before your viral load becomes too big, these antivirals can lower your viral load. This can prevent the virus from becoming so prevalent in you that it causes severe disease. In this way, antivirals help your body fight off COVID-19 by boosting your immune system.
Remdesivir
Remdesivir is taken intravenously (IV) in a clinic setting. In parts of Canada, at the time of this writing, COVID-19 antiviral medications are only recommended for use in certain groups of people. This includes those who are immunocompromised, elderly, and living with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
Related: Pfizer’s Paxlovid Covid Medication: How it Works
In places like the province of Ontario, you need to contact your primary care doctor to obtain antiviral treatments. Access to treatment may vary in the US. If you test positive for COVID-19 and you are concerned about the development of your symptoms, it is always a good idea to consult with your doctor about treatment options.
Paxlovid
Paxlovid is made from two medications that work together: nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. One is an antiviral and the other is a protease inhibitor. It helps the first ingredient stay in your body longer in order to be more effective.
Unlike Remdesivir which requires you to travel to a clinic in order to receive it, Paxlovid comes in the form of tablets. There are three tablets taken orally twice a day for five days. Paxolovid is only authorized for use for up to five days in the US and no longer than this.
Who shouldn’t take antivirals
You should only take antivirals at the discretion of your doctor. According to the FDA, people with kidney and liver problems should not take Paxlovid. In general, young children and those who already have a severe case of COVID-19 and are being hospitalized for it should also not take antiviral medications.
If you fall sick with COVID-19 talk with your doctor about your treatment options. One of the best courses of action to take in order to reduce your chances of developing a severe case of the novel coronavirus is still the get vaccinated and boosted.
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