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Originally posted by wtg:
Story about new federal website:

https://www.npr.org/2022/03/30...-tests-and-treatment

And Test-to-Treat, the program to get people antivirals if they do catch COVID. Enter your location and it tells you where to go for tests and meds.

https://covid-19-test-to-treat...dhhs.hub.arcgis.com/

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There is a new push from the White House to get Paxlovid, a drug which reduces the risk of COVID hospitalization by 90 percent, into the hands of more Americans.

The rollout of the medication has been slow since it was authorized for use in December, failing to reach many Americans eligible for treatment.

"It's pretty clear from the uptake of Paxlovid, and the rate of hospitalizations and deaths over the months that Paxlovid has been available, that there are still some folks who could have benefitted from these medications," a senior administration official acknowledged on a call with reporters on Monday ahead of today's announcement....

Many pharmacies have not yet been able to stock the drug and some physicians have been hesitant to prescribe it over concerns about depleting the supply — which the White House now describes as "ample."

The new campaign aims to double the number of places the pills are available in the coming weeks by allowing tens of thousands of pharmacy locations to order the treatment directly from the federal government.

There is also a plan to educate providers and the public about the drug and expand the administration's "Test-to-Treat" program.

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What Is 'Paxlovid Mouth' And Why Is It So Unpleasant?

Loss or alteration of taste (dysgeusia) is a common symptom of COVID. It's also a side effect of several illnesses and medications, including Paxlovid, the new antiviral medication to treat COVID infection.

Although it affects fewer than 6 percent of people who are given Paxlovid, some report a "horrible" taste that came on soon after they started taking the drug.

Dysgeusia is described as a bitter, metallic, or sour taste in the mouth. But what exactly is it, and what's going on in the body when it happens?