Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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Care & Treatment

Know Your Options for Treatment

Be aware that there is only one medication approved for treatment of severe COVID-19 illness, named remdesivir (Veklury). You can only be prescribed remdesivir by a healthcare provider, and it is administered in a hospital or in a healthcare setting. If you have COVID-19, speak to your healthcare provider about treatment options. The FDA has issued emergency use authorizations for several monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID-19 for the treatment of mild or moderate COVID-19 in adults who are at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization. People with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions.

You should not take any treatments that are not approved by the FDA for use with COVID-19. Even if a medication is approved to treat other conditions, it could be harmful or even fatal to use to treat COVID-19. Only take medications prescribed by your healthcare provider.

If you have a confirmed or possible case of COVID-19, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. Let them know that you suspect you may have COVID-19. Meanwhile, take care of yourself while limiting contact with those around you. Be sure to stay hydrated and get lots of rest. You should also wash your hands frequently, remain in a separate room from those you live with and limit close contact, and keep all surfaces clean.

Staying Safe from COVID-19

Headlines and news reports are devoted to covering coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It’s easy to become overwhelmed and frightened, especially if you’re an older adult or have a chronic medical condition. For people in this group, the virus can be life-threatening or even fatal.

The best way to prevent contracting COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. There are also additional steps people can take to help prevent contracting or spreading COVID-19:

  • Stay 6 feet away from other people who do not live in your household. If someone in your household is sick, keep 6 feet away from the sick person as well.
  • Wear a mask. Masks generally do not need to be worn outdoors but there are exceptions.
    • If you are not vaccinated, you should always wear a mask when indoors in public places as well as in crowded outdoor spaces.
    • If you are vaccinated, it is recommended you wear a mask in crowded outdoor spaces if your area has a high number of COVID-19 cases.
  • Avoid crowds.
  • Avoid spaces that are not well-ventilated (such as restaurants, gyms, and movie theaters).
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Wash your hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds (sing “happy birthday” twice). Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap is not available.
  • Try not to touch your face, eyes, nose, or mouth, especially if you have not washed your hands.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
  • Clean surfaces that you touch regularly (such as tables, doorknobs, light switches, desks, phones, computer keyboards, toilets, and faucets and sinks).
  • If someone in your home is sick, disinfect high-touch surfaces. Click here for details on how to disinfect.
  • Pay attention to your health. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider, stay home, and stay apart from other people.

Last Updated August 2021