COVID-19 Treatments

Page last updated 9/6/2024.

Patient, in blue shirt, talking to their doctor, in a white coat, in an office/clinic setting.

Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home. You can treat symptoms with over-the-counter medicines to help you feel better.

There are also treatments available that may help reduce how sick you become if you get COVID‑19.

  • If you are sick with COVID-19, talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options.
  • Don’t delay! Treatment works best when started as early as possible (within 5-7 days after you first develop symptoms).

Contact your healthcare provider, and see below, to learn more:

Where to Find Treatment

  • Contact your healthcare provider, or Community Health Center. If you do not have a healthcare provider, call 2-1-1.
  • Call the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Call Center at 833-422-4255. 
  • Find a Test to Treat site. In one visit, you can get tested, checked by a healthcare provider, and get treatment if eligible. 
  • Use these telehealth options to speak with a healthcare provider right away. ​You can use telehealth services even if you do not have insurance.

About COVID-19 Treatments

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized, or approved, several antiviral medications. These medications treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in people who are more likely to get very sick. 

People who are more likely to get very sick include:

  • Older adults (50+ years of age).
  • People who are unvaccinated or not up-to-date with the COVID-19 vaccinations.
  • People with certain medical conditions, such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, or a weakened immune system.
Man in blue shirt drinking water to take his medicine.

Being vaccinated makes you much less likely to get very sick. But studies have shown that treatment can still help vaccinated people. Especially people at risk for severe illness (including those 65+ years of age).

A healthcare provider will help decide which treatment, if any, is right for you.

Resources

County of San Diego

California Department of Public Health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention