Health
Paxlovid Improved Long Covid Symptoms in Some Patients, Researchers Report
Can Paxlovid treat long Covid? A new report suggests it might help some patients, but which patients might benefit remains unclear.
The report, published Monday in the journal Communications Medicine, describes the cases of 13 long Covid patients who took extended courses of the antiviral drug. Results were decidedly mixed: Nine patients reported some improvement, but only five said it lasted. Four reported no improvement at all.
Perhaps more than anything, the report underscores that nearly five years after the pandemic began, there is still little known about what can help the millions of people with long Covid. While some people improve on their own or with various therapies and medications, no treatment has yet been shown to be widely successful.
“People with long Covid are eager for treatments that can help,” said Alison Cohen, an epidemiologist at the University of California, San Francisco, who is an author of the new report and has long Covid herself. “There’s been a lot of research, but it continues to be slow going.”
Paxlovid, made by Pfizer, is considered a tantalizing prospect because it can prevent severe illness during active Covid infections and because patients who take the five-day course during the infection have been less likely to develop long Covid later.
In addition, a theory that some long Covid cases may be caused by remnants of virus in the body suggests that an antiviral like Paxlovid might vanquish those symptoms by extinguishing lingering virus.
Last year, the first randomized trial of Paxlovid for long Covid showed no benefit. Conducted at Stanford, it involved 155 patients who took the drug or a placebo for 15 days. While taking Paxlovid for that long was found to be safe, it didn’t help patients much: Ten weeks later, the placebo and Paxlovid groups showed no significant difference in severity of long Covid symptoms.
Dr. Upinder Singh, an infectious disease specialist and a leader of that trial, said its results and the new report primarily generated “more questions to answer”: Could Paxlovid help if taken for longer than 15 days or paired with other medications? Does its effect vary by types of symptoms or by when symptoms started?
“It’s very possible that within long Covid, there’s different disease types,” said Dr. Singh, now head of internal medicine at the University of Iowa. Maybe Paxlovid or other antivirals would help patients who could be clearly determined to have lingering virus in their bodies, she said.
Akiko Iwasaki, an immunologist at Yale University, said scientists shouldn’t “throw in the towel” on the possibility of antivirals for long Covid.
“If you look in the aggregate, you don’t see a difference between the placebo group, but these case reports demonstrate there are people who truly benefit, so we need to home in on those people,” said Dr. Iwasaki, who is leading another randomized trial of Paxlovid, the results of which have yet to be published.
She said important next steps would be identifying biological markers in people whose long Covid symptoms improved with Paxlovid and seeing whether other antivirals help different patients.
The new report was not a clinical trial, but a collection of self-reports from 13 long Covid patients around the country who had tried extended courses of Paxlovid. It is the first published case series of such patients, according to the authors, who include Dr. Michael Peluso, an infectious disease physician at U.C.S.F., and members of the Patient-Led Research Collaborative, a group of researchers who also have long Covid.
The experiences of the patients were too varied to yield a consistent trajectory, but the variety may provide clues for larger studies, the authors said.
The patients, ranging in age from 25 to 55, were infected between March 2020 and December 2022. They experienced one or more of a range of symptoms, including fatigue; gastrointestinal problems; cognitive problems like brain fog; muscle pain; irregular heart rate; and a condition called post-exertional malaise, in which physical or mental exertion causes setbacks.
As with the Stanford trial, most patients in the new report had been vaccinated by the time they took Paxlovid. Their Paxlovid courses ranged from 7.5 days to 30 days. Most tried it to find relief from their persistent long-Covid symptoms; two patients with long Covid received extended courses of Paxlovid when they were reinfected with the virus.
Most patients were also taking other medications or supplements, making it difficult to determine the drug’s specific effect, Dr. Cohen said. Still, some said Paxlovid helped them significantly.
Kate Leslie, 46, a social worker in Boulder, Colo., said she was healthy and athletic before her coronavirus infection in March 2022. Six weeks later, she said, she felt as if she’d had a concussion, struggling to think clearly and find words.
She developed postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, with symptoms including erratic heart rate and blood pressure and occasional fainting. A longtime Ultimate Frisbee player and coach, she began experiencing profound fatigue and could barely lift her arms.
“It was like concrete blocks are on your body,” she said. “I couldn’t get out of bed. My husband had to wash my hair and dry it and dress me.”
After an antiviral she was prescribed for a flu infection, Tamiflu, ended up easing some of her long Covid symptoms, Ms. Leslie wondered whether Covid-related antivirals might help even more, she said. In February 2023, she found a doctor to prescribe a 15-day course of Paxlovid.
Afterward, “I could feel my body getting restabilized,” she said, adding, “I started to get my energy back.”
About six months later, she obtained another 15-day course, which helped again, she said. She estimates she can now function at about 85 percent of her pre-Covid level.
Ms. Leslie said, however, that a couple of her medical issues worsened after Paxlovid, including an immune system condition that has caused allergies. Three other patients also reported bothersome issues after taking Paxlovid, including tingling and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Among those who didn’t perceive any benefit from the drug was Julia Moore Vogel. Dr. Vogel, 39, a senior program director at Scripps Research, was a long-distance runner before being infected with the coronavirus in July 2020. Now she uses a wheelchair and is largely housebound, she said.
She and her daughter recently moved across the country, from California, to live with her parents in Schaghticoke, N.Y. “I got to the point where we were like, I either need to stop working or we need more help at home,” she said.
Dr. Vogel, whose symptoms include fatigue, post-exertional malaise and migraines, took a 10-day course of Paxlovid in April 2023. “It just had no impact for me at all,” she said.
These days, she manages by carefully budgeting her energy, trying to leave the house no more than once a week. Migraine medications provided some relief, she said, but other than that, “I’ve tried many things, and basically nothing has really helped me improve.”
Dr. Cohen said the report strengthens the theory that long Covid has many different causes and treatments.
“A really important question is who may benefit from taking an extended course of Paxlovid and why,” she said, “and if it benefits some symptoms, which symptoms does it benefit?”
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More than three-quarters of the global population is falling short on omega-3 intake, a nutrient gap that may increase the risk of heart disease, cognitive decline, inflammation and vision problems.
That’s according to an analysis published in Nutrition Research Reviews, in which researchers from the University of East Anglia, the University of Southampton and Holland & Barrett analyzed omega-3 intake patterns across multiple countries and age groups.
The review found that 76% of people worldwide are not meeting the recommended levels of two omega-3 fats that are essential for heart health: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
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The analysis considered recommendations from global health authorities and assessed how closely populations follow them.
Most adults should aim for at least 250 milligrams of EPA and DHA per day, though actual intake is far lower in many regions, according to the researchers.
A new study found that 76% of people fall short of their recommended omega-3 intake. (iStock)
To explore the health implications of low omega-3 intake, Fox News Digital spoke with Michelle Routhenstein, a New York–based preventive cardiology dietitian at Entirely Nourished.
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Low omega-3 levels can have a noticeable impact on heart health, cognitive function and inflammation throughout the body, the expert confirmed.
Low intake can also increase the risk of heart attacks and sudden cardiac death, she added. It’s also associated with higher triglycerides, irregular heart rhythms and plaque in the arteries.
Most adults should aim for at least 250 milligrams of EPA and DHA per day, researchers say. (iStock)
Inadequate omega-3 levels have also been linked to changes in brain function, including faster cognitive decline, a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease and increased rates of depression.
Routhenstein noted that low levels may also worsen inflammation in autoimmune conditions such as psoriasis, and can negatively affect eye health, since omega-3s play a key structural role in the retina.
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To improve omega-3 levels, the expert said it’s important to understand how much is needed and where to get it.
“The richest dietary sources of EPA and DHA are oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, trout and anchovies,” Routhenstein told Fox News Digital.
Oily fish, such as salmon, are among the richest natural sources of omega-3s. (iStock)
Many people benefit from eating oily fish more frequently, often three to four times per week, Routhenstein noted. For individuals who do not eat fish regularly, supplements can help raise EPA and DHA to healthier levels.
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For those taking omega-3 supplements, dosing should be based on lab results, medications, omega-3 levels and overall medical history, according to Routhenstein. Moderate, quality-controlled supplements are generally considered safe for most people.
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There is also some evidence supporting prescription-strength omega-3 products.
“High-dose EPA, such as 4 grams per day of icosapent ethyl, has been shown to reduce major cardiovascular events in certain high-risk populations, while similar doses of mixed EPA/DHA have not consistently shown the same benefit,” Routhenstein said.
Omega-3 dosing should be individualized based on lab data, medication use, current levels and overall medical history. (iStock)
Testing omega-3 levels can also help determine whether intake is adequate. The omega-3 index, a blood test that measures EPA and DHA in red blood cells, is considered one of the most reliable ways to assess status.
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“Levels around 8% are associated with lower cardiovascular risk, while levels below approximately 4% are considered low,” Routhenstein said.
Understanding baseline levels can help guide more personalized decisions about diet and supplementation.
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Those who are unsure about their omega-3 status or whether supplementation is appropriate should speak with a healthcare provider to determine the best approach.
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As winter weather moves in, cozy essentials like scarves, plush throws and heated bedding become everyday comforts.
But dermatologists caution that these cold-weather favorites can secretly undermine skin health — trapping sweat and bacteria, causing irritation and exposing the skin to excess heat.
Choosing the right materials for wellness — and using them safely — can make a big difference.
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Here are five winter must-haves and gift ideas, with expert tips on how to keep skin healthy and happy while staying warm this season.
Soft scarf, $19.99, Amazon.com
Scarves made of natural fiber, like this one that is 100% cotton, may help if you’re prone to irritation. (Amazon)
A soft scarf is a staple for cold days and an easy way to elevate a winter outfit.
Yet, if breakouts are appearing along the neck, jawline or chest, that favorite accessory may be part of the problem.
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“You should wash your scarf as often as your clothes to prevent breakouts,” Annabelle Taurua, a beauty expert at Fresha, a beauty and wellness booking platform headquartered in London, told Fox News Digital.
Cotton is a better choice than polyester, she also noted, as it’s more breathable and allows sweat to evaporate.
Fluffy blankets, $28.97, Potterybarn.com
Fluffy blankets make for perfect cozy days at home, but their soft fibers can trap sweat, oils and dead skin — which can clog pores and encourage bacteria growth. (Pottery Barn)
Fluffy blankets make for perfect cozy days at home, but their soft fibers can trap sweat, oils and dead skin, which can clog pores and encourage bacteria growth.
Rough textures or infrequent washing can also irritate sensitive skin and worsen breakouts.
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“Regularly wash your blankets, especially those made from synthetic or fluffy materials, to remove built-up oils and dirt,” Taurua advised.
She recommended breathable materials like cotton or linen, as well as hypoallergenic options for anyone prone to irritation.
Good set of sheets, $49.99, Amazon.com
Much like scarves, natural fibers are the way to go for your linens to avoid irritation. (iStock)
Cold weather makes lingering in bed especially tempting, but lying on unwashed bedding can worsen acne.
Pillowcases and sheets quickly collect oil, bacteria and dead skin cells, which transfer directly onto the face.
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“Washing bedding frequently is important,” Taurua said. “You should aim to change and wash your pillowcases every two to three days and your sheets at least once a week.”
Heated blanket, $33.99, Walmart.com
Heated blankets are a great way to stay warm during the winter. (Walmart)
When using a heated blanket, start with the lowest heat setting and limit use, said Taurua.
“Once you’re warm, switch to a regular blanket,” she advised.
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She also said it’s best to avoid direct contact for long periods to reduce irritation.
Hot water bottle, $12.99, Amazon.com
A traditional winter staple, hot water bottles offer quick comfort — but they come with risks similar to heated blankets, including burns, scalding and long-term heat-related skin damage.
Hot water bottles should never be filled with boiling water, experts advise. (Amazon)
“Never fill a hot water bottle with boiling water,” Taurua said.
“Only use hot, not boiling, water, and fill it to a maximum of two-thirds.”
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She recommended wrapping the bottle in a towel or cover to avoid direct skin contact and limiting use to around 20 minutes.
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