New VA study finds Paxlovid may cut the risk of long COVID
NPR Online NewsDec 23, 2022
The Facts
Researchers from the US Veterans Health Administration have revealed the results of a new study showing that taking Paxlovid — a five-day course of antiviral pills — can reduce the risk of developing long COVID.
Paxlovid, which is made by Pfizer and is available in the US for free with a prescription, was proven to reduce the risk of hospitalization in high-risk COVID patients.
The Spin
Narrative A
This study is a major breakthrough, highlighting the many positive impacts Paxlovid can have for COVID patients. It also provides data for researchers to further investigate how reducing viral load early can lessen the effects of, or even prevent, long COVID. Long-sought treatments for long COVID may finally be on the horizon.
Narrative B
We should be careful not to overstate the impact of this study. Nearly 75% of the participants were white men with an average age of 65, so it's a small sample size. Long COVID conditions weren’t eliminated, and in some cases, they weren't prevented. There’s still a lot of work to do, and for now, Paxlovid should be a part of a suite of approaches.
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