DOH Issues Health Advisory Regarding Paxlovid Use

On May 25, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Advisory – and the Department of Health (DOH) issued a subsequent Advisory – regarding the use of Paxlovid and the possibility of rebound COVID-19 after treatment. Paxlovid continues to be the treatment of choice for COVID-19 infection, per the Advisory, for those individuals who meet the clinical criteria for use. It is important to note that further treatment with antivirals due to rebound COVID-19 is unnecessary. Those individuals who present with symptoms of rebound COVID-19 after initially testing negative after treatment with Paxlovid must follow the CDC's guidance on isolation and can re-end isolation after five days if fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and symptoms are improving. The re-infected person should wear a mask for 10 days after their most recent positive test.

Contact: Mark Kepner-Clough, mkepner-clough@leadingageny.org, 518-728-2365