If you get sick with COVID-19, COVID-19 antivirals can help many people recover and could even help you avoid hospitalization. These antivirals have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug administration and they have already been taken by millions of people, reducing their risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms and keeping many of them out of the hospital.
Whether you have COVID-19 now, or you are taking the time to learn about your treatment options before you get sick, there are a few things you should know about COVID-19:
Make a Plan
Take some time to evaluate your specific risk factors for COVID-19 and
make a plan to protect yourself and others if you do get sick.
You've Got Options
Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir co-packaged with ritonavir) and Veklury (remdesivir) are approved therapeutics for adults (ages 18 and older). Paxlovid for pediatric patients (ages 12-17) and Lagevrio (molnupiravir, ages 18 and older) are available under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Emergency Use Authorization. Both Paxlovid and Lagevrio are pills that you can take from the comfort of your own home. Learn more about
COVID-19 treatment options.
Act Quickly
COVID-19 therapeutics are most effective when they are used early (within 5-7 days of your first symptom). The therapeutics are for when symptoms are mild or moderate. If you get sick with COVID-19, talk to your doctor or other health care provider immediately about the best treatment options for you.
Learn about Your Risk
Many people are considered high-risk for developing COVID-19, including people who are aged 50+, people who are overweight, physically inactive, or who smoke. People who have cancer, diabetes, or a heart condition are also considered high risk. In fact, CDC has identified more than
30 health conditions that put adults, children, and youth at high risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19.
Get Tested and Treated in One Place
If you want to get tested and treated in one place, you can do that at thousands of pharmacy-based clinics nationwide through the
Test to Treat program.
Don't Pay Full Price
Nobody should pay full price for COVID-19 therapeutics. They are covered under most major insurance programs, but you don't need insurance to get access to COVID-19 therapeutics. Help is available to people who are uninsured and people who rely on federal programs like Medicare or Medicaid. Learn how
Patient Assistance Programs can help people who qualify. In addition, co-pay savings programs are available for people who have health insurance.
