Antivirals and COVID-19

“Antivirals” are an important tool for treating people with COVID-19 – but are often underused.

COVID-19 antivirals help reduce hospitalizations and deaths among people at higher risk especially people 65 years and older – and those with certain underlying conditions.

COVID-19 antivirals need to be prescribed more often to people that are at risk for severe illness to reduce hospitalizations and save lives – if You Get Sick with COVID-19, Antiviral Treatments Can Protect You Against Severe Illness.

With COVID-19 hospitalizations on the rise, it is important that people who get sick and are at higher risk for severe illness get on treatment in the first days of illness, since symptoms can change and worsen quickly. While these antivirals are effective at preventing severe disease, not enough people are taking them.

Antivirals can provide additional protection, even if you’re vaccinated if:

• You are at least 50 years of age, especially 65 and older, OR
• You have certain underlying medical conditions, such as a weakened immune system, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, or chronic lung disease, regardless of your age

If you do get sick with COVID-19 you should immediately speak with a medical provider about getting treatment – if you fall into either of these two categories.