What you should know
- COVID infections in New York City have risen once again in recent weeks, and while there is no corresponding increase in severity, the health commissioner reminds the public and providers that antiviral pills are also effective treatments. .
- Whatever the course of treatment, Dr. Ashwin Vasan says it’s critical, especially at this juncture in the city’s COVID recovery, that providers offer multiple options and help patients understand the pros and cons. each for their unique situations.
- If you have symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, talk to your health care provider or call 212-COVID19 (212-268-4319).
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NEW YORK — COVID infections in New York City have risen once again in recent weeks, and while there is no corresponding increase in severity, the health commissioner is reminding the public and providers that antiviral pills They are also effective treatments.
Paxlovid, specifically, can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death by up to 88% when taken within five days of the onset of symptoms, Dr. Ashwin Vasan said in an advisory issued to health care providers around the world. the city on Tuesday.
That pill is the preferred treatment option for most high-risk patients with mild to moderate COVID, according to federal treatment guidelines. Molnupiravir is another pill available and should also be used within five days of symptoms starting, says Vasan.
Oral antivirals are available by prescription at several New York City pharmacies, including Test to Treat centers, which were launched as part of a national initiative by the Biden administration to test and prescribe treatments in one place.
Another option, Vasan reminds providers, is monoclonal antibody treatment, which can be given intravenously within a week of the onset of symptoms. See locations here.
The notice also informs providers of the availability of Evusheld as a preventive treatment for immunocompromised patients who may not respond sufficiently to vaccines and for patients allergic to vaccines. Evusheld is not a substitute for vaccination in people who can be vaccinated, Vasan’s note says.
The city has partnered with Alto Pharmacy to enable same day or next day delivery of Evusheld to patients at no cost. Alto Pharmacy will also deliver it to providers’ offices.
Whatever the course of treatment, Vasan says it’s critical, especially at this juncture in the city’s COVID recovery, that providers offer multiple options and help patients understand the pros and cons of each to their unique situations.
“The tools we have available to prevent the worst outcomes of COVID-19 are better than at any point in the pandemic, but they are only effective if providers know how to use them and how to access them for their patients,” Vasan said. . “We are raising awareness in the medical community that treatments save lives and there are options ready for you and your patients who test positive for COVID-19.”
If you have symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, talk to your health care provider or call 212-COVID19 (212-268-4319). Read the commissioner’s full notice here.
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