Paxlovid is the preferred medication because it has shown its effectiveness at preventing the progression of the disease and hospitalization. But both drugs have important safety considerations for eligibility, including interactions with other medications, so it is important to discuss this with your physician.

However, individuals are typically contagious for about 10 days after the onset of symptoms. For those with mild to moderate symptoms, this period can be shorter, often around 5-7 days. For people with severe symptoms or those with a weakened immune system, contagiousness can last longer, potentially up to 20 days.