Pfizer Says , Its COVID-19 Pill Reduces the Risk , of Being Hospitalized or Dying by 89%.<br />On Nov. 5, Pfizer released study results indicating that its new pills can offer protection if taken within <br />three days of developing symptoms.<br />Over 1,200 COVID-19 patients who were at a high risk of severe illness were examined.<br />Some of the patients were given Pfizer's pills, and others were given placebos.<br />10 people who received placebos died, but everyone who took Pfizer's pills lived.<br />According to Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, the data suggests that the pills could "eliminate up to nine out of ten hospitalizations.".<br />It is important to note that the study's results have yet to be peer-reviewed, though they are promising.<br />Infectious disease experts maintain that vaccines are still the most effective way to lower your chances of being hospitalized with COVID-19. .<br />These pills would only act as a second line of defense or help those in places where <br />vaccines aren't readily available.<br />Dr. Carlos Del Rio, the executive associate dean and a global health expert at the Emory School of Medicine, .<br />says Pfizer's pills "would be a good drug for patient[s] with COVID and high risk of progression, vaccinated or not, although the vaccinated were not included in this study.".<br />Merck has also developed a COVID-19 pill treatment and has already applied for FDA authorization
