Ultimately, the study findings revealed no major differences between rates of rebound COVID among the three groups. In the group that received no antiviral treatment, rates of rebound COVID stood at 4.5%. Those who received molnupiravir had a rebound COVID rate of 4.8%, while 6.6% of Paxlovid patients experienced rebound COVID. With rates falling within such close range between groups, the study team deemed there to be no statistically significant differences, thus indicating that Paxlovid posed no higher risk of rebound COVID than other antivirals or no treatment whatsoever.
However, researchers did note that patients between the ages of 18 to 65, individuals with ongoing health conditions, or those receiving a combination treatment of corticosteroids, were found to be at greater risk of rebound COVID following Paxlovid treatment. Risk factors within the molnupiravir group were found to be similar, including combination treatment of corticosteroids and those ages 18 to 65. Overall, however, no increased risk of death, hospitalization, or mechanical ventilation was indicated in the study in connection with rebound COVID.
