COVID-19 Treatment: What You Need to Know
If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and are at increased risk for severe illness, timely treatment is essential. Certain FDA-approved medications can significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization and death, but they must be started within the first 5 to 7 days of symptom onset to be effective.
Who is at greatest risk?
- Adults 65 years of age or older (risk increases with age).
- People who are not vaccinated or not up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations.
- Individuals with underlying health conditions, such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, or weakened immune systems.
Treatments available for COVID-19
The FDA has approved several antiviral treatments for mild to moderate cases of COVID-19 in high-risk individuals.
- Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir with Ritonavir) – An oral antiviral for adults and children 12 years and older. Treatment should be started within the first 5 days of the onset of symptoms.
- Remdesivir (Veklury) – An intravenous antiviral for adults and children. Treatment should begin within the first 7 days of symptom onset and requires intravenous infusions for 3 consecutive days in a health care facility.
- Molnupiravir (Lagevrio) – An oral antiviral for adults. Treatment should be started within the first 5 days of the onset of symptoms.
Important considerations
Some treatments, such as Paxlovid, may cause side effects or interact with other medications. For example, Paxlovid may cause a temporary metallic taste and has more interactions with other medications compared to other antivirals. Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist to make sure COVID-19 treatments are safe to use with other medications you are taking.
How to access treatment?
- Where to get treatment: Use the HSS Treatment Locator (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) or call 1-800-232-0233 to find a pharmacy or health center that offers testing and treatment.
- Financial assistance: There are assistance programs for people without health insurance or with Medicare/Medicaid coverage to help reduce the cost of antiviral treatments, such as Paxlovid and Lagevrio. Check with your health care provider or insurer to confirm your eligibility.
COVID-19 Prevention
Vaccination remains the best protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines provides strong protection and reduces the need for treatment.
For those with weakened immune systems, the FDA has authorized Pemgarda™, a monoclonal antibody treatment, offers additional protection. This intravenous medication can be administered every three months as needed.
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If you test positive for COVID-19 and are at increased risk for severe illness, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss treatment options. Early intervention with approved antiviral medications can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications. Additionally, staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations and following preventative measures are essential steps to protect yourself and others.