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For the last several months, you’ve probably been hearing about the importance of getting a flu shot and a COVID booster. Now that the main season of viral illness is upon us, infections of COVID are increasing dramatically in at least 42 states, according to the CDC, and those infection rates are going up by over 50% in some areas. The CDC also reports that flu infections were on the rise in 47 states as we entered into 2024.
If you haven’t taken action already, now is the time to protect yourself!
But even if you take precautions, you could still wind up getting one of these viruses. That’s where anti-viral medications come in. Paxlovid is a treatment for COVID, and Tamiflu is the equivalent treatment for influenza. These medications have been proven to reduce the severity of symptoms and the length of illness, as well as reduce the odds of hospitalization or death. Here’s what seniors and elderly adults need to know about these two wonder drugs.
What is Paxlovid?
Paxlovid is the front-line treatment for COVID. It’s an antiviral medication taken in pill form. Those who are able to take Paxlovid can do so at home, allowing them to rest and stay in their comfortable space while recovering from the infection.
This medication has shown significant results. Clinical trials went so well that the drug was approved under an Emergency Use Authorization, making it available right away to those suffering from COVID. The clinical trial showed a whopping 89% reduction in the risk of hospitalization and death among the unvaccinated; soon after, it showed the same promise in those who have been vaccinated.
In May 2023, Paxlovid was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID infection in adults at high risk for severe disease and the resulting complications.1 As seniors and the elderly are at very high risk of serious complications, Paxlovid has become a significant addition to a treatment plan for those over the age of 50 who have COVID. It’s also great for those who have chronic conditions that could make the illness worse. For instance, if you have cancer or diabetes, you might be prescribed Paxlovid even if you are not yet 50. Fortunately, Paxlovid is believed to work very well against the new subvariants of COVID.
How Does Paxlovid Work?
Paxlovid is an antiviral medication that targets the enzyme the COVID virus uses to replicate itself. The medication is actually two separate drugs, taken together, that work together in the body.
· Nirmatrelvir is a drug that inhibits the enzyme. You will take two of these pills in each dose. After you take the medication, the virus is no longer able to enter any of the uninfected cells in the body, effectively stopping it from making you sicker.
· Ritonavir is a drug used to boost the levels of antiviral medication in the body. You will take one of these pills in every dose. It works by blocking the metabolism of nirmatrelvir in the liver, which means Paxlovid is in your system for longer. This drug has been around for a long time as an effective treatment for HIV/AIDS.
Paxlovid is given in a “dose card” or “pill pack.” This helps you stay on track with the medication schedule. You will take three Paxlovid pills twice a day for five days (that’s a total of 30 pills). Those who have kidney problems might be prescribed a dose of only two pills instead of three pills.
Paxlovid only works well if taken within five days of developing symptoms. The earlier you take the medication, the better. This is why it’s very important to have a few COVID tests on hand and use them if you begin to suspect you have been infected with COVID.
A Note About Rebound COVID
A unique concern with Paxlovid is the “rebound” effect. This means that in some people, symptoms will begin again within two to eight days of completing the course of Paxlovid. Some individuals might test positive for COVID again but have no symptoms. The CDC reports that rebound symptoms are mild and rarely lead to hospitalization.
Other Things to Know About Paxlovid
The most common way to get Paxlovid is through a prescription from your doctor, but in some cases, your pharmacist can give you Paxlovid without a doctor’s prescription. However, a few criteria must be met:
· Your pharmacist must have opted to provide doses of Paxlovid without a prescription
· You must share your medical records with the pharmacist, including a list of medications
· You must present blood test results from within the last 12 months
If there are any side effects, they are quite mild. The most common problem is a metallic taste in the mouth or an impaired sense of taste. Diarrhea might also occur. But for many, there will be no side effects at all.
Paxlovid is not recommended for those who have severe kidney or liver disease. That’s because it is processed by the liver and the kidneys; no processing of Paxlovid means that drug builds up in your body instead of being cleared out of it, and that can lead to uncomfortable side effects. Those who have HIV should also carefully weigh the risks of taking Paxlovid, as it might affect how well HIV medications work in the future.
There are some drugs that you might already be on that prevent the use of Paxlovid alongside them. This includes anti-rejection drugs taken after a transplant, some common drugs used to treat heart problems, and blood thinning medications.
Some statins to control cholesterol will also interact negatively with Paxlovid, but you might be able to stop the cholesterol-lowering drugs during the time you take Paxlovid and suffer no ill effects.
When you are sick with COVID, you’ll probably still feel terrible even if you’re fully vaccinated and using Paxlovid. That’s why it’s so important to have a fall alert with you at all times. A medical alert wireless system can ensure that you get the help you need, fast. If you begin to feel any symptoms that concern you, don’t hesitate to press the emergency button alert.
What is Tamiflu?
Tamiflu is an oral antiviral drug that fights certain types of influenza. Tamiflu is the market name of the drug oseltamivir. It’s offered by prescription only. A course of Tamiflu is taken as a twice-daily pill for five days, or in a similar dosage of the liquid form. For Tamiflu to be effective, it must be taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
Tamiflu has been around for decades; it was approved by the FDA in 1999. Studies in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2001 reported that Tamiflu could reduce the severity and duration of the flu in 89% of those who used it properly.2 A review of studies published in the British Medical Journal in 2014 questioned that high percentage but did find that Tamiflu reduced the severity of flu symptoms in more than half of those who took it.3
How Does Tamiflu Work?
Tamiflu works by blocking the neuraminidase enzyme, which is what the flu virus uses to replicate and spread. This will reduce the duration of symptoms by one to two days. And since a serious bout of influenza can lead to pneumonia, by taking Tamiflu very early in the illness, you might be able to eliminate the possibility of pneumonia developing after the flu infection subsides.
Tamiflu might actually prevent you from getting the flu if you take it very soon after being exposed to the virus. This prophylactic approach doesn’t always work to prevent influenza infections, but it can still lessen the severity of symptoms.
Other Things to Know about Tamiflu
Tamiflu is often prescribed for those who are at high risk of severe illness or hospitalization from the flu. You should ask your doctor about Tamiflu if you have any of the following conditions:
· Diabetes
· Respiratory disorders, such as asthma or COPD
· A compromised immune system
· Conditions of the liver or blood
· Neurological conditions
· Chronic kidney conditions
· Heart disease
· Obesity
Though Tamiflu lessens the duration of the flu, and often lessens its symptoms as well, it can sometimes have bothersome side effects. The most common side effects include nausea and vomiting, though this can often be avoided by taking Tamiflu with food. If nausea and vomiting do occur, it will usually be within the first few doses of the drug. Other potential side effects include stomach discomfort, headache, nosebleeds, and fatigue.
The best way to prevent serious complications from the flu is to get vaccinated. If you’ve been vaccinated and you do get the flu, the symptoms will be milder than they would have been if you didn’t have a vaccine protecting you. If you are vaccinated, Tamiflu will still help by reducing the symptoms even further.
The flu can quickly turn into an emergency situation, even if you’re vaccinated. Medical alert systems for seniors make excellent protection against the more serious consequences of a flu infection. For instance, the flu often leads to deep fatigue, and being that tired leads to a higher risk of falls. By having a personal emergency response system right at your fingertips, you can reach out for help if the fatigue and other symptoms become too much, or if you suffer a fall or other accident as a result.
An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure
The best way to avoid problems from COVID and the flu is to not get them in the first place. You have a much better chance of not getting the viruses if you have been fully vaccinated for them. Get a flu shot every year to protect you against the dominant strains that season. Get a COVID vaccine each time the formulation is updated or your doctor instructs you to get a booster.
You can also take precautions to try to prevent the flu and other viruses. Social distancing is a good idea, as this helps lower your risk of coming into contact with airborne particles that can transmit the infections. Wearing a mask can help as well – not only in lowering your risk of getting the viruses but also to lower your risk of transmitting them to others. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Carry hand sanitizer with you for those times when you can’t use soap or water. To keep your home safer, regularly disinfect surfaces you touch, such as countertops and doorknobs.
It’s a good idea to have an emergency alert system with you at all times, but it becomes especially important when you’re sick. Even with the help of medications, you will still likely feel pretty awful with either the flu or COVID, and that can include weakness, dizziness, fatigue, and many other problems that increase your risk of falls. Having a panic button right there at your fingertips can provide peace of mind. And in some cases, just like Tamiflu and Paxlovid, it could be a literal lifesaver.
