It is possible that hitting the virus early with an antiviral might reduce inflammation/organ damage and reduce chance of viral persistence leading to less risk of Long Covid
These results apply to people who are eligible for Paxlovid under the current FDA EUA - that is people with at least 1 risk factor for progression to severe COVID-19
Whether Paxlovid reduces risk of #LongCovid in people at low risk remains to be studied
Long Covid is likely a disease with many subtypes that may have different risk factors (genetic, environmental, etc.) and distinct biologic mechanisms that may respond differently to treatments.
LongCovid does not only affect patients and their life expectancy, but also societal wellbeing and economic indicators (labour participation and economic productivity).
Preventing long COVID should be a public and a global health priority.