COVID-19 Treatment

Most people with COVID-19 have a mild illness and can recover at home. Some people—especially older adults and those with certain health conditions—are at higher risk for severe illness. If you test positive and are at higher risk, start treatment as soon as possible. Antiviral medicines work best early in the illness.

When to seek emergency care

Call 911 or go to the emergency department if you have:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent chest pain or pressure
• New confusion
• Bluish lips or face
• Signs of severe dehydration

At-home care for mild COVID illness

• Rest and stay hydrated.
• Use over-the-counter medicines for fever, cough or pain as recommended by your provider.
• Stay away from others while you’re sick and follow your provider’s guidance on when it is safe to return to normal activities.

Antiviral treatments for COVID (time-sensitive)

Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid)

• Oral antiviral for people at higher risk of severe illness.
• Must be started within 5 days of symptom onset.
• Can interact with many common medicines; your provider or pharmacist will review your medications.
• Dose adjustments may be needed for kidney or liver conditions.
• Treatment lasts 5 days.

Remdesivir (Veklury)

• Antiviral given by IV infusion if Paxlovid isn’t an option.
• Administered once daily for 3 days in an outpatient setting.
• Must be started within 7 days of symptom onset.

Molnupiravir (Lagevrio)

• Oral antiviral used only when other treatments are not available or appropriate.
• Must be started within 5 days of symptom onset.
• Not recommended during pregnancy. People who could become pregnant should use reliable contraception during and after treatment.
• Less effective than Paxlovid or remdesivir.

Treatments not used for COVID-19

• Monoclonal antibodies for treatment: No monoclonal antibodies are currently authorized in the U.S. to treat active COVID-19.
• Pemivibart (Pemgarda): Authorized only for pre-exposure prevention in certain immunocompromised patients. It is not a treatment or post-exposure option.

If you are immunocompromised

• Contact your provider quickly after a positive test to discuss early antiviral treatment.
• Ask your provider if pemivibart (Pemgarda) is right for you as a preventive option.

How to get care for COVID

• Banner Health providers can evaluate your symptoms, review your medications and help choose a safe, effective treatment.
• Because treatment is time-sensitive, don’t wait. Reach out the same day you test positive if you are at higher risk