Treatment Options for COVID-19
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. SARS-Co-V-2 virus is very contagious (easily spread from person-to-person).
For most people, COVID-19 is a mild to moderate illness with respiratory symptoms like the flu or a cold. For some people, it can progress to severe disease that may result in getting very sick with severe symptoms and hospitalization.
The objective of treatment for COVID-19 is to provide supportive care and reduce the risk of severe COVID-19. This means that the treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing the infection from getting worse.
There is currently no treatment to cure COVID-19. Most people with COVD-19 will have mild disease and can manage their illness at home.
Self-care
In addition to getting plenty of rest of staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water and tea, over-the-counter medications may be helpful to manage symptoms. This includes:
- Fever- and pain-relievers, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
- Cough syrup, cough medicine, or cough drops.
People with chronic conditions or on other medications should check with their doctor or pharmacist before taking new medications. Some cold medicines may contain ingredients, such as decongestants, that should be used with caution in people with high blood pressure. Children should not be given aspirin.
Antiviral Medicine
Antiviral medicine may help reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 in certain people. COVID antivirals are most effective if started as soon as possible after symptoms start. CDC recommends consideration of antiviral medicines in people with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who are more likely to get very sick. This includes older adults (especially 65 years and older), people who are not vaccinated or up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations, and people with certain medication conditions such as:
- Cancer
- Cerebrovascular disease, including stroke
- Chronic kidney disease (at any stage)
- Chronic liver disease
- Chronic lung disease, including asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease like pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension
- Cystic fibrosis
- Dementia
- Diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)
- Disabilities (for example, ADHD, cerebral palsy, congenital malformations, limitations with self-care or activities of daily living, intellectual and developmental disabilities, spinal cord injuries)
- Heart conditions, including coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathies
- Hemoglobin blood disorders, including sickle cell disease and thalassemia
- HIV infection
- Immunocompromise (weakened immune systems)
- Mental health conditions, including depression and schizophrenia spectrum disorders
- Overweight and obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Pregnancy
- Smoking (current and former)
- Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
- Substance use disorders
- Tuberculosis (TB)
Currently available COVID-19 antivirals are:
- Nirmatrelvir with Ritonavir (Paxlovid): This as an oral medicine for people 12 years old and older that can be taken at home. It should begin within 5 days of when symptoms start and is taken for 5 days.
- Remdesivir (Veklury): This is a medicine given by intravenous (IV) infusion at a clinic or hospital. It is approved for use in children at least 28 days old and weighing at least 3.3 pounds (≥ 1.5kg), and for adults. If should begin within 7 days of when symptoms start. For people not hospitalized, it is given daily for 3 days. Hospitalized people may receive it for more days.
- Molnupiravir (Lagevrio): This is an oral medicine for adults that can be taken at home. It should begin within 5 days of when symptoms start and is taken for 5 days.
- Plasma with antibodies to COVID-19 (called convalescent plasma)
It is important for people to consult their healthcare providers about risk factors for severe COVID-19. People at higher risk should contact their healthcare provider if they think they have COVID-19 to determine if antiviral treatment should be started. The healthcare provide can provide information about antiviral treatment options considering individual factors, including your health conditions and other medications you are taking.
Hospital Treatments for Severe COVID-19
Treatments in the hospital aim to support breathing and manage complications that may develop from COVID-19. Treatments may include:
- Oxygen therapy: Extra oxygen may be given through a tube in the nose, through a mask that goes over the face, or via a breathing machine in which a tube goes into the windpipe and helps breathe for the person.
- Antiviral medicine: Remdesivir (Veklury)
- Medicines to help manage the body’s immune and inflammation response to COVID-19
- Steroids, such as dexamethasone
- Anti-inflammatories, such as baricitinib (Olumiant), tocilizumab (Acterma)
Always consult with your doctor before considering any home remedies or new medications as treatment. Your healthcare professional will be able to assess your specific condition and provide appropriate recommendations based on your medical history and symptoms.