Antivirals Speed COVID Recovery in Outpatients
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By
February 10, 2026
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8 min
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1
Three antiviral treatments were assessed for COVID-19 in adults.
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2
Molnupiravir improves recovery and reduces long-term symptoms.
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3
Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir shows faster recovery but raises adverse events risk.
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4
Ensitrelvir does not improve recovery and is linked to higher adverse events.
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5
Study design included multiple countries with a focus on outpatient care.
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6
Recommendations against the use of certain treatments, with calls for further research.
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A review of three antiviral therapies—molnupiravir, nirmatrelvir–ritonavir, and simnotrelvir–ritonavir—reveals that they may enhance recovery and shorten recovery times in adults with COVID-19 during the Omicron variant surge. Molnupiravir showed promising recovery rates and reduced long-term symptoms, while nirmatrelvir–ritonavir improved recovery but was linked to increased adverse events. In contrast, ensitrelvir failed to show meaningful benefits and raised concerns due to higher adverse reactions. This comprehensive analysis included numerous studies from various countries and highlights the need for further research.
-
1
Three antiviral treatments were assessed for COVID-19 in adults.
-
2
Molnupiravir improves recovery and reduces long-term symptoms.
-
3
Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir shows faster recovery but raises adverse events risk.
-
4
Ensitrelvir does not improve recovery and is linked to higher adverse events.
-
5
Study design included multiple countries with a focus on outpatient care.
-
6
Recommendations against the use of certain treatments, with calls for further research.
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