A new research paper, titled “Real-world effectiveness of Paxlovid in protecting Long COVID for outpatient adult patients: A target trial emulation study from the RECOVER Initiative” has been published on the October 28, 2026, in PLOS Global Public Health. Results have also been covered on the news website Bioengineer, which you can read here.
We do now have the results from several research studies and clinical trials that are looking at whether the use an antiviral drug called Paxlovid can reduce the risk of people developing Long Covid if it is given at the time of an acute Covid infection.
There is also research looking at whether Paxlovid can be used as a treatment for people who have developed Long Covid.
The results so far are failing to demonstrate any clear benefit in relation to treating Long Covid.
However, there is growing evidence that the use of Paxlovid during an acute infection can reduce the risk of Long Covid developing, especially in people who are considered to be at higher risk of developing serious complications following a Covid infection.
This newly published research found that if Paxlovid was given within 5 days of a Covid infection there was a reduced risk of developing a range of post-acute conditions in various organ systems, among patients at high-risk for a severe post Covid illness.
People treated with Paxlovid were also significantly less likely to be hospitalised or die.
So the results suggest that Paxlovid may significantly reduce the risk of Long COVID and other downstream consequences of acute Covid infection for high-risk non-hospitalised adults and should therefore be considered when managing patients in this category who have an acute infection.
The study did not show a reduction in the risk of developing Long Covid in people who did not have risk factors for severe infection – so it does not support a wider use of Paxlovid.
Dr Charles Shepherd,
Trustee and Hon. Medical Adviser to the ME Association,
Member of the 2018-2021 NICE guideline on ME/CFS committee,
Member of the 2002 Chief Medical Officer's Working Group on ME/CFS
More Information:
- Antiviral COVID-19 medication shows no benefit for Long COVID | September 2, 2026
- Medical Matters: Where can I obtain antiviral treatment for ME/CFS? | Spring 2026