Sick With Flu or COVID? When to Call and When to Go
Based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Flu Antiviral Drugs
The 48-hour window for Tamiflu and Xofluza, the 5-day window for Paxlovid, who benefits most, and the symptoms that need the emergency room.
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In this guide
Who Is Higher Risk
- Older age or pregnancy
- Diabetes, heart or lung disease
- Obesity or a weak immune system
Call Early
- Call when symptoms start
- Do not wait to get worse
- High risk? Call even after two days
Paxlovid Points
- Dose depends on kidney function
- Some notice a bitter taste
- Share your full medicine list
What the guideline says
- Antiviral medicines for flu and COVID-19 help most when they are started early, so timing matters.
- Oseltamivir, sold as Tamiflu, helps most when started within 48 hours of the first flu symptoms.
- People at high risk, such as adults 65 and older and people with chronic heart, lung or kidney disease, may still benefit when flu treatment starts later.
- Paxlovid is for adults at higher risk of severe COVID-19 and needs to start within five days of the first symptoms.
- Paxlovid interacts with many common medicines, including some statins, blood thinners and heart rhythm medicines, so your prescriber will review everything you take.
- Trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, confusion, bluish lips or face, or being unable to keep fluids down need emergency care.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Flu Antiviral Drugs
Read the full article: How Soon to Start Tamiflu or Paxlovid After Symptoms Begin →
This guide is general health information and does not replace advice from your own provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, confusion, bluish lips or face, or being unable to keep fluids down need emergency care, not an office visit.
Baloxavir, sold as Xofluza, is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Oseltamivir is the usual choice then.
No. If you are sick and at higher risk, call as soon as symptoms start. People at high risk may still benefit from flu treatment that starts later, so call even if you are past two days.