Key points
- If you have COVID-19 and are more likely to get very sick, medications are available that can reduce your risk of hospitalization and death.
- Don't delay: Treatments must be started within 5-7 days after you first develop symptoms to be effective.
Treating COVID-19
Medications to treat COVID-19 must be prescribed by a healthcare provider and started within 5–7 days after symptoms appear. Contact a healthcare provider right away to determine if you are eligible for treatment, even if your symptoms are mild. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, contact your local community health center or health department.
Reminder
People who are more likely to get very sick include:
- Older adults (especially those ages 65 years or older, with risk increasing with advancing age),
- People who are unvaccinated or are not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations,
- People with certain medical conditions, such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, or a weakened immune system.
Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations makes you much less likely to get very ill, be hospitalized, or even die from COVID-19. Treatment can further reduce the risk for COVID-19 hospitalization and death among vaccinated people, especially those at higher risk for severe illness. Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are taking other medications to make sure the COVID-19 treatments can be safely taken at the same time.
Treatments
FDA has authorized or approved several antiviral medications used to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in people who are more likely to get very sick.
- Antiviral medications target specific parts of the virus to stop it from multiplying in the body once someone is infected, helping to prevent severe illness and death.
- The Infectious Diseases Society of America provides Guidelines on the Treatment and Management of Patients with COVID-19 for healthcare providers to help them work with their patients and determine the best treatment options for their patients. Several treatment options are available for treating COVID-19. They include:
| Treatment | Who (Among persons who are at high risk of getting sick) | When | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nirmatrelvir with Ritonavir (Paxlovid)Antiviral | Adults; children ages 12 years and older | Start as soon as possible; must begin within 5 days of when symptoms start | Taken at home by mouth (orally) |
| Remdesivir (Veklury)Antiviral | Adults and children | Start as soon as possible; must begin within 7 days of when symptoms start | Intravenous (IV) infusions at a healthcare facility for 3 consecutive days |
| Molnupiravir (Lagevrio)Antiviral | Adults | Start as soon as possible; must begin within 5 days of when symptoms start | Taken at home by mouth (orally) |
Some treatments might have side effects or interact with other medications you are taking. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, visit a Test to Treat location or contact your local community health center or health department.
If you are hospitalized, your healthcare provider might use other types of medications, depending on how sick you are. These could include medications to treat the virus, reduce an overactive immune response, or treat COVID-19 complications.
If you have a weakened immune system, have received antiviral treatment, and continue to experience COVID-19 symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend additional treatment, including convalescent plasma.
Reminder
Treatment Locator
Did you know?
Preventing COVID-19
COVID-19 Vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States effectively protect people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and even dying. As with vaccines for other diseases, you are protected best when you stay up to date. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get additional doses of updated COVID-19 vaccines. People aged 65 and older should receive 1 additional dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine.
Resource
Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (Medication for Preventing COVID-19)
FDA has authorized a preventive monoclonal antibody for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, ages 12 years and older, and weighing at least 88 pounds. In addition to vaccination, Pemivibart (Pemgarda™) may provide another layer of protection against COVID-19 and can be given at least 2 weeks after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
A healthcare provider gives Pemgarda as a single intravenous infusion over 60 minutes at a doctor's office or healthcare facility. If continued protection is needed, additional doses should be administered every 3 months.
People who are privately insured or have Medicare part B may receive Pemgarda for free. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if Pemgarda is right for you.
Recovery
Manage Symptoms
Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home. You can treat symptoms with over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help feel better.
COVID-19 Rebound
COVID-19 rebound is a return of symptoms or a new positive test 3-7 days after:
- recovering from the initial illness, or
- having tested negative for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
People may experience rebound whether they received COVID-19 antiviral medication or not. Rebound symptoms are typically mild.
Studies suggest there is no increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness in people who experience COVID-19 rebound after antiviral medication.
The benefits of COVID-19 treatment outweigh the risk of rebound if you are at high risk for severe COVID-19. Talk to your healthcare provider if you think you may have rebound. If you don't have a healthcare provider, contact your local community health center or health department.