Treatment Options
If you test positive for COVID-19, you may be eligible to receive free and potentially life-saving treatments. The key to effective treatment in most cases is to test early and begin treatment as soon as possible after any symptoms begin.
What treatments are available?
The FDA has authorized emergency use of several therapeutic medications to treat COVID-19. There are several different kinds of therapeutics available. It is important to get tested and contact your physician as soon as possible to talk about your treatment options.
Although these treatments are not cures, they may lessen the severity of symptoms and help keep high-risk patients out of the hospital. Treatment is available only by referral or prescription.
| Treatment | What kind of treatment is it? | Who is eligible to receive it? | When do you receive the treatment? | How long is the treatment? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paxlovid* | Oral antiviral (pill) | Anyone age 12+ at risk for severe COVID-19 | Must begin within 5 days of symptom onset | 5-day pill regimen |
| Molnupiravir | Oral antiviral (pill) | Anyone age 18+ at risk for severe COVID-19 | Must begin within 5 days of symptom onset | 5-day pill regimen |
| Remdesivir* | IV infusion | Infants, children, and adults at risk of severe COVID-19 | Should begin within 7 days of symptoms onset | Three infusions given over three days |
*Preferred treatment. See NIH Guidelines for more information
People at risk for severe COVID-19 may have conditions that make them more likely to be hospitalized, need intensive care, require a ventilator to help them breathe, or die. The following underlying medical conditions are risk factors that may lead to someone having severe COVID-19, including:
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Unvaccinated individuals
- Age 65+
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney, liver, lung, disease
- Cystic fibrosis
- Dementia or other neurological conditions
- Diabetes
- Cognitive disabilities
- Heart conditions
- HIV
- Mental health disorders
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Smoking status
- Other conditions as indicated by a provider
Although these treatments are not cures, they may lessen the severity of symptoms and help keep high-risk patients out of the hospital. Treatment is available only by referral or prescription. Talk to your health care provider as soon as you test positive for COVID-19 so they can determine the best treatment for you.
View answers to frequently asked questions about COVID-19 Treatment Options.
Test to Treat
More than 80 sites in Maryland are participating in the Test to Treat (T2T) initiative to expand access to potentially life-saving COVID-19 treatments for all residents. Through T2T, people are able to get a rapid COVID-19 test and – if they test positive and treatments are appropriate for them – immediately receive a prescription and have their prescription filled all at one location.
Marylanders who test positive for COVID at home can use the BCCFH COVID Task Force COVID Treatment Program. Using the simple online form, anyone can self refer and answer a few questions to learn if they are eligible for treatment.
They will be given the option to schedule a telehealth or phone consultation through the site — and if treatment is recommended — receive a prescription filled at the nearest participating pharmacy to them. Services are offered at no cost to the patient, and insurance is not required to access services. Telehealth is available to Marylanders across the state.
You may search for a T2T site near you at CovidTEST.maryland.gov. Please note there may be a charge associated with obtaining services, and appointments may be required. Please contact the site directly to learn more.
Questions to Ask Your Physician
You may be eligible to receive COVID treatment if you have recently tested positive for COVID-19, or were recently exposed, and are at a greater risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms. Here are some questions you can discuss with your physician:
- I have tested positive for COVID-19, what treatments are available for me?
- I have “cold” symptoms, should I get a test for COVID-19?
- I am taking medications that make me more susceptible to infections and change my immunity. Is there any medication I can take to prevent a COVID-19 infection?
Any provider, including primary care and urgent care providers, are able to make referrals or write prescriptions for treatment. Patients with symptoms and a positive COVID-19 test can also self-refer to the BCCFH for a telehealth appointment and possible treatment using this link.
