President Biden Completes Fourth Dose of PAXLOVID Amid COVID-19 Battle

US President Joe Biden has finished his fourth dose of PAXLOVID after testing positive for COVID-19. He is showing signs of improvement. Biden remains isolated at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware home, and vows to return to the campaign trail amid calls for him to drop out of the race.

US President Joe Biden, who tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week, has taken his fourth dose of PAXLOVID, his physician confirmed on Friday. Biden continues to exhibit primary symptoms like a loose, non-productive cough and hoarseness, but these symptoms have "improved meaningfully" since Thursday, according to Dr. Kevin C. O'Connor.

In a statement released by the White House on X, Dr. O'Connor said, "President Biden completed his fourth dose of PAXLOVID this morning. His loose, non-productive cough and hoarseness continue to be his primary symptoms, but they have improved meaningfully from yesterday. His pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate and temperature remain absolutely normal. His oxygen saturation continues to be excellent on room air. His lungs remain clear." The statement also noted that Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing confirmed Biden's COVID-19 diagnosis, with variant identification still pending.

Joe Biden's complete blood count (CBC) was normal, showing no signs of anemia or bacterial infection, the statement added. Dr. O'Connor said, "The President continues to tolerate treatment well. We will continue PAXLOVID as planned. In the meantime, the President continues to do the work of the American people." Biden has been isolating at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware home since testing positive on Wednesday during a campaign stop in Las Vegas.

Biden, who is vaccinated and has had booster shots with the most recent in September 2023, vowed to return to the campaign trail next week to "save democracy," as reported by The Hill. He criticized Donald Trump's remarks at the RNC for focusing on personal grievances without plans for improving the lives of working people. Calls for Biden to drop out of the race have intensified, with Senator Martin Heinrich and four House Democrats urging him to withdraw.

(With inputs from agencies.)