A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that Paxlovid, an antiviral medication, significantly decreased the probability of hospitalization or mortality from COVID-19 among those at risk of severe disease during the Omicron wave. The study examined the efficiency of Paxlovid, a combination of Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir, in reducing the risk of life-threatening disease during the Omicron variant′s emergence.

For the study, researchers from Public Health Ontario examined information on persons in Ontario, Canada, with moderate illness who had positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results for SARS-CoV-2 between April 4 and August 31, 2022.

They compared 1, 68, 669 untreated patients with 8,876 patients who had received Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir. Most patients had received vaccinations and were mainly 70 years and showed possible drug-drug interactions. 

Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir was reported to prevent one severe COVID-19 for every 62 patients who received treatment. Experts further stated that if anyone aged 60 years or above was COVID-19 positive or had other risk factors for a severe infection, such as a chronic medical condition or is not fully immunized, they should contact their doctor or pharmacy within five days of the onset of symptoms and inquire about Paxlovid.

The study emphasizes the significance of SARS-CoV-2 testing if anyone experiences symptoms and Paxlovid availability for people at risk for severe COVID-19.

(Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/paxlovid-reduced-hospitalisation-death-risk-during-omicron-wave-study-101676286273885.html)