Dr. Paul Cieslak, OHA senior health advisor and medical director, Communicable Diseases and Immunizations, and Dr. Andrea Lara, MD, MPH, OHA health advisor, answered today’s questions. We’ll continue to answer your questions in upcoming newsletters.
Q: I have received all the recommended vaccines and boosters, including the new bivalent booster in September. I cannot find any information on if or when another bivalent booster is recommended. Should I get another bivalent booster a certain time after the last one? – Theresa, Salem
A: “At this time, additional boosters are neither authorized nor recommended. Experts will be reviewing the need and utility of additional boosters, including whether newer strains will need to be included, over the coming months.”
Q: My 83-year-old partner tested positive for COVID-19, but the doctors at urgent care recommended against Paxlovid due to potential for liver or kidney damage and evidence of COVID-19 “rebound.” What are the potential risks for a drug like Paxlovid? – Charlotte, Gresham
A: “Like any drug, Paxlovid can cause side effects, cannot be taken by everyone and cannot be taken with certain other drugs. For instance, people with severe kidney disease, liver disease or who have an allergy to one of Paxlovid’s ingredients shouldn’t take it. There are certain drugs that can interact with Paxlovid in dangerous ways as well. This is why you can’t just go into a pharmacy and buy Paxlovid. You must first talk with a medical professional about any conditions you have or other medications you take, to make sure that Paxlovid is the best and safest choice for treating your COVID-19 infection.
“As for Pfizer, the maker of Paxlovid, the company reports that 1-2% of patients who take Paxlovid may experience COVID-19 symptoms again shortly after finishing the treatment. The main goal of COVID-19 treatments is to avoid severe complications, hospitalization and death. For some, taking Paxlovid will improve symptoms quickly, for others it won’t, but ultimately the data show Paxlovid is extremely effective at preventing hospitalization and death due to COVID-19.
“And if Paxlovid turns out not to be right for you, you can ask your doctor about Lagevrio (Molnupiravir), another oral antiviral. Here is some information about Lagevrio, including side effects.”
If you have questions about topics related to COVID-19, submit your question here. While we are unable to answer every question, we try to address questions that may be of interest to a broader audience. Please understand we are unable to provide specific medical advice for personal medical conditions.
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