Most people with COVID-19 recover at home with rest and fluids. But for people at higher risk of severe illness, antiviral treatments can lower the chance of hospitalization and death. Many eligible people don’t get treated, often because they don’t know they qualify or wait too long. Here’s what to know.
Who should consider treatment?
Antiviral treatment is generally recommended for people with mild to moderate COVID-19 who are at higher risk of getting very sick, including:
- Adults 65 and older
- People with chronic conditions such as heart disease, lung disease including moderate to severe asthma or COPD, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, obesity or cancer
- People with weakened immune systems
- People who are pregnant
- People who are unvaccinated or not up to date
Read more about protecting high-risk adults.
Timing is everything
Antivirals work best when started early. Test as soon as you have symptoms, and if you’re positive and at higher risk, contact a healthcare provider right away. Most oral treatments must be started within 5 days of symptom onset. See testing at home.
Common treatment options
- Nirmatrelvir with ritonavir (Paxlovid): an oral medicine taken for 5 days. It’s often the first choice for eligible adults.
- Remdesivir (Veklury): given by IV infusion over 3 days, typically started within 7 days of symptoms.
- Molnupiravir (Lagevrio): an oral option for adults when other treatments aren’t available or appropriate.
Your provider will choose the best option based on your health, other medicines and kidney function.
Important: drug interactions
Paxlovid can interact with many common medicines, including certain statins, blood thinners, heart medicines, seizure medicines and some anti-anxiety drugs. Often these interactions can be managed by temporarily pausing or adjusting a medicine. Always give your provider and pharmacist a complete list of your medicines and supplements.
Side effects and “rebound”
Paxlovid may cause a metallic or bitter taste, diarrhea and muscle aches. Some people experience a return of symptoms a few days after finishing treatment, called rebound. Rebound can also happen without treatment and is usually mild. If symptoms return, isolate again and contact your provider.
Where to get treatment
You can get a prescription from your doctor, an urgent care clinic or a telehealth provider. In many states, pharmacists can also prescribe Paxlovid after reviewing your health records and medicines.
What this means for you
If you’re at higher risk, make a plan before you get sick: keep home tests on hand, know how to reach a provider quickly and keep an updated medication list. Don’t wait to see if symptoms get worse. If your asthma flares, follow your asthma and COVID-19 plan.
The bottom line
COVID-19 antivirals can prevent severe illness in high-risk people, but they must be started early, usually within 5 days. Test promptly, contact a provider right away and share your full medication list.
Common questions
Should healthy young adults take Paxlovid?
For most healthy, younger people, the benefit is small, and treatment usually isn’t needed. Talk with your provider if you have risk factors.
Does treatment lower the risk of long COVID?
Some studies suggest antivirals may lower the risk, but the evidence is mixed. Learn more about long COVID.
Can I get Paxlovid if I take other medicines?
Often, yes. Many drug interactions can be managed by temporarily pausing or adjusting a medicine. Your doctor or pharmacist will review your full medication list.
This article is for general information and isn’t medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your individual needs.
