The earlier the treatment can be started after the start of the infection, the better and more rapid the recovery (as well as the reduction in the risk of spread/contagious period). This would mean that the patient should optimally start the treatment in the first 4 days of the infection and within five days of exposure. It usually is based on symptoms which start within 1-4 days of viral entry into the upper respiratory system. Even starting the multi-faceted treatment later (7-10 days after infection) is also very worthwhile if severe pneumonia necessitating hospitalization has not yet set in.