Treatment and Care

Individuals over the age of 60 and/or with underlying medical conditions may be at high risk for severe COVID-19.  People at high risk for severe disease may be prescribed medication to reduce risk of COVID-19 related hospitalization and death.  Individuals with mild COVID-19 should:

• Consider the use of over-the-counter medications to reduce symptoms of fever, coughing, and congestion;
• Contact your medical provider to see if you are recommended to receive anti-viral medications for COVID-19. Anti-viral medications must be taking within 5 days of symptom onset to be effective;
• Visit the California Department of Public Health's website to learn more about medications to treat COVID-19.

When to seek emergency medical attention

Look for emergency warning signs* for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.

The right medications for COVID-19 can help. People have been seriously harmed and even died after taking products not approved for use to treat or prevent COVID-19, even products approved or prescribed for other uses. Talk to a healthcare provider about taking medications to treat COVID-19.

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