VERIFY: Does Paxlovid antiviral medication help if you have mild COVID-19 symptoms?

11Alive verifies your questions on the virus and treatments.

[bobstevens]

My COVID story. Got it in early Dec. 2022. Took Paxlovid the same night I tested and had COVID. My symptoms went away by morning. I did not find Pax bad tasting but three pills a dose was unusual. I took it till it was gone.Doing fine since.

[jenettejackson]

I am currently on day three and idk if I can make it to day five. The taste in my mouth taste like I’m poisoning myself.

[delynnkipping]

Personally speaking, my case was fairly mild and I took meds within 48 hrs of infection. I did develop side effects, the worst was the diarrhea! Constant for the duration of meds and went away as soon as meds were finished. The other was my mouth tasted like lysol had been sprayed inside it. Two of us came down with it the same day. I took the paxlovid and my friend was treated with steroids, inhalers, etc...I was feeling better by day 3-4, minus the diarrhea, and my friend is still not feeling well, 3 weeks later. I had to ask the Dr. for the antiviral meds.

[beansrgd]

This is a late entry: I Love the Medicine. I could care less about the metallic taste. I like to feel better faster since I struggle with daily health issues. One pill helped my airway within an hour . Nasal congestion was drying up. I don’t care if the diarrhea is an issue: I make rice everyday. I look for the remedy not the low end side effects. And I’m on a LOT of medication daily .
Cholesterol meds are problematic for those who take crestor, etc. I wouldn’t overthink it, if you quarantine and rest that’s half the battle for recovery. And no I am not one who loves big Pharmaceutical- but I also am high risk without this. Happy to see quick results.

[cr-ivel]

If you are on high blood pressure be very careful with this med. Also, diarrhea is guaranteed with this.

[I_heart_dolls]

I'm on day 1. I don’t like the taste at all. Don't know if I can finish

[oldcynical]

I always take medical advice from talking heads who have no idea what they are reading on the teleprompter.

[bobregular.]

I got the pills 2day my covid symptoms is mild not that bad I can walk around fine I had a little pain yesterday very little but my stuffy nose is a killer I'm scare 2 take it 3 pills

[PhyllisSwezey]

Do you have to stop your blood pressure and colesterol medicine when you take paxlovid?

[maryanndanahy]

Took this for my Covid. Most horrible meds I have ever taken. I would never take this junk again.

[sharonthornsberry]

We got COVID a few months ago, was put on Paxlovid, only side effect was the bitter taste in the back of our throats.

[nikkilewis]

Yes this medicine does work quickly although it taste like poison and leaves an very strong lingering aftertaste once you take it.