Treatment for COVID-19
Page last updated 9/18/2023.
If you test positive and are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19, treatments are available that can reduce your chances of being hospitalized or dying from the disease.
Don’t delay! Treatment must be started within days after you first develop symptoms to be effective. Contact a healthcare provider right away to determine if you are eligible for treatment, even if your symptoms are mild. Other medications can help reduce symptoms and help you manage your illness.
See below, or click the following links, for more information:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized treatments that have already been taken by millions of people. If you test positive for COVID-19 and have mild to moderate symptoms (i.e., non-hospitalized, not requiring oxygen or an increase in home oxygen), you may be eligible for antiviral treatments.
- Oral antivirals, such as Paxlovid and Molnupiravir
(Lagevrio), are pills that stop the virus that causes COVID-19
from making copies of itself in your body. They should be taken no
later than 5 days after your first symptoms appear and taken at home
two (2) times a day for five (5) days.
- Available with a prescription from a healthcare provider. Many Community Health Centers also carry Paxlovid or Molnupiravir.
- You can read more in the Paxlovid Fact Sheet for Patients, Parents and Caregivers (Spanish), Frequently Asked Question on the EUA of Paxlovid, Molnupiravir Fact Sheet for Patients, Parents and Caregivers (Spanish) and Frequently Asked Questions on the EUA of Molnupiravir.
- IV antivirals, such as Remdesivir
(Veklury), is given intravenously (by IV or drip) and helps stop
the virus that causes COVID-19 from making copies of itself in your
body. This should be taken no later than 7 days after your first
symptoms appear.
- Requires a prescription and is given as an IV infusion once a day for three (3) days.
- You can read more in the Remdesivir Fact Sheet for Patients, Parents, and Caregivers (Spanish) and Frequently Asked Questions on the EUA of Remdesivir.
- The Treatment
Locator can help you find a location that offers testing and
treatment, or a pharmacy where you can fill your prescription.
- Call the Medication Locator at (800) 232-0233.
- Call SesameCare at (888) 897-1244 to schedule a no-cost telehealth visit, which includes a prescription for treatment with Paxlovid for those who are eligible.
- Community Health Centers
Resources
County of San Diego
- If You Are Sick with COVID-19 Webpage
- Information for Healthcare Providers Webpage
- Treatment Resources Flyer
- Make a Plan this Winter Season Flyer
- Many resources are available through 2-1-1 San
Diego. Call 2-1-1 or visit the 2-1-1 San Diego
website for more information.
- Medi-Cal Health Plan Contact Card
State and Federal
-
The COVID-19 Therapeutics Warmline is available for
California healthcare providers for free and confidential real-time
consultation on COVID-19 treatment.
- Healthcare providers can reach someone by completing an online
form, or phone by calling
1-866-268-4322 from Monday – Friday, 6:00am – 5:00pm.
- Healthcare providers can reach someone by completing an online
form, or phone by calling
- California Department of Public Health COVID-19 Treatments Flyer
COVID-19 Website