Paxlovid

For those at high risk, Pfizer's antiviral drug helps stave off severe COVID-19. Now research suggests it may also reduce their chances of long COVID.

Paxlovid is used by high-risk patients to make their COVID-19 symptoms milder. It's critical patients take it in the first five days of illness, so taking a doctor's visit out of the requirements may make it easier for patients.

Some people have had trouble getting Paxlovid pills quickly, despite the administration's effort to ease access after a COVID test confirms infection.

The antiviral pill is available to patients older than 12 who have tested positive for COVID and are at risk for developing a severe case of the disease.

The new at-home COVID treatment is currently available in limited quantities to states and territories. Some states will get as few as 120 courses of treatment at first.