COVID-19 Treatment
Effective treatments are available
If you are at high-risk of a severe disease impact from COVID-19 (see below) or have serious COVID-19 symptoms, treatment is available via physician referral.
- In order to reduce severe risk, hospitalization and death, it is best to seek COVID-19 treatment immediately.
- Ask your doctor about which treatment options are best for you or click here for treatment centers near you.
- Cost for treatment may vary on the treatment site.
Who should seek treatment?
People who are at high-risk for severe disease should seek out COVID-19 treatment as soon as possible after the start of symptom onset. Taking early action for accessing COVID-19 treatment is incredibly important to reduce the risk of hospitalization. High-risk patients should seek out treatment options immediately upon onset of COVID-19 symptoms or receipt of a positive COVID-19 test.
Who is eligible for treatment?
Most treatments are recommended for high-risk patients who are age 12 and older and have had a confirmed positive COVID-19 test within the last 5 to 10 days, depending on treatment type. Eligibility may differ based on method of treatment available. Patients may be experiencing mild or moderate symptoms or maybe asymptomatic but have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 symptoms.
Screening eligibility for COVID-19 treatment
In order to assure you are eligible for treatment, you must meet the following criteria:
- Positive and confirmed COVID-19 test results
- 12 years or older
- At risk for severe disease (see list below)
If you meet the following criteria, you may be eligible for treatment. It is recommended to have a copy of your COVID-19 lab results to avoid re-testing to schedule your appointment for treatment.
Who is at risk for severe COVID-19 disease?
Anyone with the following risk factors is at greater risk of severe disease, hospitalization, or death from COVID-19:
- 65 years of age or older
- Obesity or BMI greater than 30 (click here to calculate your BMI)
- Pregnancy
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Immunosuppressive disease or immunosuppressive treatment
- Cardiovascular disease or hypertension
- Chronic lung diseases
- Sickle cell disease
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Having a medical-related technological dependence (for example: tracheostomy, gastrostomy, or positive pressure ventilation not related to COVID-19)
What treatments are available?
Several different monoclonal antibody treatments have been authorized by the federal Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use authorization (EUA) to treat high-risk patients who have contracted or been exposed to COVID-19.
Monoclonal antibodies should be initiated as soon as possible but within 10 days of symptom onset or positive test.
What are monoclonal antibodies?
Just like anti-bodies are designed to fight against infection, monoclonal antibodies are designed to fight against the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. The therapies act as a short cut to help boost the immune system with antibodies to help fight the coronavirus. They are for people who are sick with COVID-19 and are administered through an infusion or an injection. To learn more about monoclonal antibodies,
click here and scroll down to watch an informational video on monoclonal antibodies from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Due to the surge of the Omicron variant, the FDA has updated the efficacy of monoclonal antibody treatment. GlaxoSmithKline’s Sotrovimab is the monoclonal antibody treatment that has shown to have the most effectiveness against Omicron. For more information on Sotrovimab,
click here.
What is PAXLOVID?
PAXLOVID is an antiviral pill developed by Pfizer used to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and children who are at high risk for severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death. PAXLOVID is investigational which means studies of this medicine are ongoing. For more information on PAXLOVID,
click here.
As of Dece
mber 22, 2021, Pfizer’s Paxlovid antiviral pills has been granted authorization for treatment in high-risk patients with COVID-19.
Paxlovid should be initiated as soon as possible, but within 5 days of symptom onset or positive test.
What is Molnupiravir?
Molnupiravir is an antiviral pill developed by Merck to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults over the age of 18 years old who are at high risk for severe COVID-19, including hospitalization and death and those who do not qualify for alternative COVID-19 treatment that is not available by the FDA. For more information on Molnupiravir,
click here.
On December 23, 2021, the FDA issued an emergency use authorization fo
r Merck’s Molnupiravir antiviral pill for high-risk patients that contracted COVID-19. Molnupiravir is an alternative treatment when other COVID-19 treatment options authorized by the FDA are not accessible or clinically appropriate. Molnupiravir is not recommended for patients younger than 18 years old as it can affect bone and cartilage growth.
Molnupiravir should be initiated as soon as possible, but within 5 days of symptom onset or positive test.
Treatment options will differ depending on the type of COVID-19 variant. Keep in mind, as new treatment options progress, we will continue to update the public on COVID-19 therapeutics. For patients with severe COVID-19 disease, hospitals or your doctor will provide other care and treatment options.
Treatment is not a substitute for vaccination. It is strongly encouraged to get vaccinated for your protection.
FAQs
Are Ivermectin and Hydroxychloroquine considered effective treatments for COVID-19?
The FDA has issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) that authorizes monoclonal antibody treatment, Pfizer’s Paxlovid pill, and Merck’s Molnupiravir pill for mild to moderate COVID-19 therapeutics. Hydroxychloroquine is not currently authorized and Ivermectin has never been authorized or approved by the FDA as approved treatments for COVID-19.
Once I am treated for COVID-19, do I have to wear a mask?
Yes, current county and state mask guidance must be adhered to regardless of treatment status.
Monoclonal Antibody (mAb) Treatment
How long does treatment take?
Treatment can take up to 2-3 hours for monoclonal antibodies.
What are the Side Effects for Monoclonal Antibody Treatment?
Antibody treatments do not contain any live SARS-CoV-2, so there is no risk you will get COVID from monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment. It is possible you may experience symptoms of an allergic reaction. Contact your primary care provider if you experience any of the following symptoms that may represent an allergic reaction: fever, chills, nausea, headache, shortness of breath, low or high blood pressure, rapid or slow heart rate, chest discomfort or pain, weakness, confusion, feeling tired, wheezing, swelling of your lips, face, or throat, rash including hives, itching, muscle aches, feeling faint, dizziness, and sweating. Also, other side effects may include brief pain, bleeding, bruising of the skin, soreness, swelling, and possible infection at the infusion site. However, this is not a comprehensive list of side effects and/or risks.
How effective is monoclonal antibody treatment?
Monoclonal antibody treatment has been shown to reduce hospitalizations and deaths by 79%. In addition, for high-risk patients who have been exposed to someone with COVID19.
Is mAb treatment safe for pregnant women?
Monoclonal antibody treatment can be given to women who are pregnant. Currently, there is no data that suggests this treatment should be avoided during pregnancy and pregnancy could put you at risk for severe COVID-19 disease.
Antiviral Pill Treatment
What are the side effects for the Pfizer’s PAXLOVID antiviral pills?
The side effects of PAXLOVID can result in liver and kidney (renal) issues such as jaundice, loss of appetite, dark-colored urine, pale colored stools, itchy skin, and abdominal pain. Other possible side effects can include: high-blood pressure, diarrhea, muscle-aches, and altered sense of taste. Unexpected side effects may occur as PAXLOVID is an investigational medicine.
Is PAXLOVID safe for pregnant women?
There is no experience treating pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers with PAXLOVID. However, PAXLOVID may be recommended to pregnant or nursing women to decrease potential risks. Consult with your doctor if it is safe to take PAXLOVID.
How is the Pfizer’s PAXLOVID antiviral pill administered?
PAXLOVID contains two medicines: Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir. As the prescription suggests, patients must take 2 tablets of Nirmatrelvir with Ritonavir orally morning and evening for 5 days.
How long do I need to take PAXLOVID?
PAXLOVID is taken for five days. Consult with your doctor if you do not feel better after 5 days.
Does PAXLOVID have any drug interactions?
It is best to consult with your doctor or pharmacist regarding drug interactions with current prescriptions including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
How is Molnupiravir administered?
Molnupiravir is taken orally every 12 hours for 5 days. Molnupiravir can be taken with or without food.
Is Molnupiravir safe for pregnant women?
Molnupiravir is not recommended for pregnant women or women that are currently nursing.
What are the side effects for Molnupiravir?
The side effects for Molnupiravir are diarrhea, nausea, and dizziness.
Can I take Molnupiravir after 5 days?
No, Molnupiravir is a 5-day treatment. Molnupiravir is not authorized for use longer than 5 days.
How can I get treatment for COVID-19?
COVID-19 therapeutics can only be prescribed by doctors, physicians, advanced practiced registered nurses, and physician assistants. Contact your provider or one of the treatment center locations for more information.
Click here to find location sites near you.