Thousands of patients with Covid-19 who are most likely to be admitted to hospital are receiving a cutting-edge NHS antiviral treatment at home that improves symptoms ‘within hours’.

Game-changing Covid treatments, which cut the risk of serious illness, have been provided to more than 32,000 patients since being introduced for patients outside of hospital in December. The antiviral treatment is being used to treat those identified to be at the highest risk of becoming seriously ill with Covid or being admitted to hospital in line with government guidance.

One of the latest treatments, known as paxlovid, was found in trials to slash hospitalisation and deaths by 88 per cent, and has been given to more than 6,000 patients already – with over 1,400 patients benefitting in the last seven days alone.

Professor Stephen Powis, NHS National Medical Director said: “It’s fantastic that since launching the latest antiviral treatment paxlovid just over a month ago, thousands of our most vulnerable patients have already had access to this latest cutting-edge, life-saving treatment. Antivirals are another weapon in our arsenal to reduce hospital admissions and fatalities amongst patients at highest risk of becoming seriously ill from Covid-19 and needing hospitalisation – each and every person treated with the new drugs is testament to how the NHS is doing everything possible to protect those who are at most risk.

“Getting vaccinated is still the best way to protect you and your loved ones from Covid, and to date, our world leading vaccination programme has delivered over 119 million doses – including more than 32 million boosters – and I would urge anyone who hasn’t yet been jabbed to come forward for your first, second or booster jab as soon as possible.”

Nearly five million doses of paxlovid and other antivirals, such as molnupiravir, have been procured as part of the latest deal struck by the government.