taken as soon as you are diagnosed with COVID-19. After a thorough investigation on the products, the FDA has proved that there are more benefits from taking the antiviral treatment than there are risks, making them acceptable for emergency use at this time.
RELATED: CDC Loosens Mask Guidelines as Omicron Surge Subsides
What We Really Need To Know About This New Antiviral
Though this new antiviral sounds like it can be a cure for everyone, unfortunately, just like with other medications, there are some people who should not take this pill trio.
For people living with severe kidney or liver problems, Paxlovid is not recommended. The use of Paxlovid in people living with undiagnosed or uncontrolled HIV is also not recommended because it can lead to HIV drug resistance.
There are a few side effects that come with taking this oral treatment. Some side effects include diarrhea, high blood pressure, aches in your muscles and a flawed sense of taste.
The third pill (ritonavir) can cause liver damage, so it’s important to speak with your doctor about the use of this treatment if you are currently living with liver problems. There are certain medications that cannot be taken while taking Paxlovid or right before you take the antiviral. To find out which medications should not be taken before or during your prescribed antiviral treatment, visit this list here.
RELATED: New Sanofi-GSK COVID Vaccine is Highly Effective, Companies Say
Is This What Will Save Us From This Everlasting Pandemic?
Though it can play a major role in ending the COVID-19 pandemic, it most likely won’t be the only saving factor. The biggest thing that will put an end to this pandemic is stopping the spread of the virus by getting your vaccination shots and the recommended booster to follow.
The oral antiviral was created to help fight COVID once it enters your body and has the possibility to worsen.
In all actuality, the world needs both at the moment. The antiviral to help prevent more people from dying or suffering from worsening symptoms and the vaccination and booster shot to help stop the spread of COVID. It takes many steps to fight off a plague such as this one and though the world has made some progress, it’s important that we all do our part to do more and continue this progression to fight COVID-19.