A small number of people who have taken Paxlovid experienced a return of their symptoms several days after they initially recover and test negative for COVID-19. If you experience COVID-19 rebound, you should restart the recommended 5-day isolation period. Currently, there is no evidence that you need to extend your treatment or be treated again with Paxlovid. You should contact a healthcare provider if your symptoms persist or worsen.
In clinical trials, 1 to 2 percent of participants experienced a recurrence of their symptoms after taking Paxlovid. While medical experts continue to monitor this issue, data from Pfizer and the CDC show that people who experience COVID-19 rebounds have had mild illness. The CDC continues to recommend the antiviral as a treatment for people who test positive and are at high risk for severe COVID-19.