Should healthy people take Paxlovid?

As a COVID-19 reporter, one of the questions I get most often from my friends and family is whether they should take the antiviral drug Paxlovid when they catch the virus.

Officially, the federal guidance on Paxlovid is clear: the drug regimen is approved for people who have at least one risk factor for severe disease, such as older age, an underlying health condition, or a compromised immune system. But I get why younger, healthier people would want the drug. If there’s an effective treatment on the market, why wouldn’t you take it?

Maybe because there’s no proof that Paxlovid is effective for people at low risk of severe disease, experts told me. Studies have not found that it meaningfully reduces either acute or chronic symptoms for people in this category. It also comes with some side effects and can interact with other medications. And it now costs money for some patients.

None of these things should dissuade people who need Paxlovid from taking what could be a lifesaving drug, and experts stressed that people should speak with their doctors about the best course of action. But taking it purely for peace of mind may not be worth it.

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