COVID-19 is treated differently depending on how sick someone is and their risk of getting worse. Treatments range from simple home care to prescription antivirals and hospital therapies for severe cases.
Mild illness at home
Most people with mild symptoms (like sore throat, cough, fever, body aches) only need rest, fluids, and over‑the‑counter pain/fever medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, plus isolation to avoid spreading it. Monitoring symptoms, using a thermometer, and watching for breathing problems are important so that medical care can be sought early if things worsen.
Antivirals for higher‑risk people
People at higher risk of severe disease (older age, chronic conditions, weak immune system, pregnancy, etc.) are often offered antivirals if they test positive and have symptoms. Common options include nirmatrelvir‑ritonavir (Paxlovid, taken by mouth for 5 days), intravenous remdesivir over 3 days, or, if others are not suitable, molnupiravir, all of which must be started within a few days of symptom onset to work best.
Hospital treatment for severe COVID
People who develop low oxygen levels, pneumonia, or respiratory distress are usually admitted to hospital for oxygen, close monitoring, and supportive care. Treatments there can include corticosteroids such as dexamethasone, antivirals like remdesivir, and immune‑modulating drugs (for example tocilizumab or baricitinib) to reduce dangerous inflammation in severe or critical cases.
What doctors watch for
Clinicians choose treatments based on how many days it has been since symptoms started, oxygen level, other illnesses, pregnancy status, and possible drug interactions or kidney and liver function. They also watch lab markers of inflammation and may add specific immune‑targeting medicines or intensive care measures such as ventilation or ECMO for people who are critically ill.
Prevention still matters
Vaccination, staying up to date with boosters, and using masks or ventilation in high‑risk settings remain key ways to reduce the chance of severe COVID‑19 and the need for these treatments. For some people with very weak immune systems, preventive antibody medicines may be offered when available to lower the risk of getting seriously ill.