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Health Bulletin: Potential for COVID-19 Rebound Following Paxlovid Treatment
May 24, 2022 (Anchorage) – Today, the Anchorage Health Department highlighted a CDC Health Advisory regarding the potential for “COVID-19 rebound" following administration of the antiviral drug Paxlovid. COVID-19 rebound refers to the phenomenon where mild COVID-19 symptoms briefly reoccur two to eight days after a patient initially recovers. This drug remains a safe and vitally important early treatment tool for high-risk COVID-19 patients. While data is limited, COVID-19 rebound may also occur naturally in patients who have never received antivirals.
“Paxlovid continues to be a game changer when it comes to reducing the risk of death from COVID-19 for high-risk patients," said Anchorage Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael Savitt. “However, Paxlovid patients should be aware of the potential for mild COVID-19 rebound and be ready to adjust their isolation strategy to keep their loved ones safe."
Guidance to Patients
Patients should know that the life-saving benefits of Paxlovid greatly outweigh the risk of mild COVID-19 rebound. Those who believe they are experiencing COVID-19 rebound within two weeks of a COVID-19 diagnosis should isolate for an additional five days even if they previously tested negative, emerging only after they are fever free for at least 24 hours. A mask should be worn for 10 days from the onset of rebound symptoms. As always, medical help should be sought if symptoms worsen.
Guidance to Providers
There have been no reports of severe illness during the rebound phase. Providers should be aware that there is currently no evidence that additional anti-COVID-19 therapies are needed if rebound occurs. Providers should continue to consider Paxlovid for high-risk patients meeting the criteria outlined in the FDA's fact sheet and CDC Health Advisory 467.
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Media contact: Tyler Sachtleben, AHD PIO, tyler.sachtleben@anchorageak.gov, 907-343-4670