WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR COVID-19?

* Be aware that the recommended treatments of illnesses are always being improved. This website was last update on 11/1/2024. The best treatment option MIGHT have changed since that time.

Treatment of COVID-19 depends on how severe the illness is and the likelihood that the person will develop severe disease.
For mild illness, resting at home is often sufficient and using Tylenol and Ibuprofen as needed (Provided there are no contraindications). For moderate to severe illness Remdesiver, Dexamethasone, Paxlovid, Monoclonal Antibodies, Oxygen, Hospitalization, Respirator, and ECMO are all possible treatments.

1. Tylenol (provided there are no contraindications)
2. Ibuprofen (provided there are no contraindications)
3. Remdesivir IV antiviral * (Generally, reserved for HIGH risk)
4. Molnupiravir oral antiviral (Generally, for mild to moderate symptoms) CDC
5. Paxlovid * (Generally, for mild to moderate symptoms) [Has many drug interactions]
6. Monoclonal Antibodies (Pemivibart ([Pemgarda] prevention for imunocompromised)*
7. Oxygen
8. Hospitalization
8. Respirator
9. ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) - lung bypass machine

CAUTION 1. COVID-19 symptoms can sometimes quickly become much worse. A person can go from feeling a little bit poorly to having difficulty breathing in 24 to 48. Therefore, a person who has been diagnosed with having COVID-19 (or suspects he has COVID-19) should not only stay away from other people so he does not infect others--but should also monitor his breathing regularly. The easiest way to do this is with a Pulse Oximeter, which can quickly and accurately check a person's Oxygen level. 95-100% oxygen is normal. Levels which are less than 94% need to evaluated. A a Pulse Oximeter can be purchased for about $20.

2. All medication, including medication that fight COVID-19, have a risk of side effects.
3. Possible Mild side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and light to moderate skin rash.

4. Possible Severe side effects are a severe skin rash, an anaphylactic allergic reaction (leading to the inability to breathe and subsequent death if not treated rapidly), and Clostridioides difficile infection (C. Diff.) of the colon.

5. Medications such as creams, lotions, and gels should be tested in small dosages in areas of the body that are not easily seen.

Consult “Epocrates.com” for each Specific Medication’s possible “Adverse Reactions.” Side effects are also referred to as “Adverse Reactions.” Epocrates.com will tell you both “common reactions” and “serious reactions.” You will have to create an account, but it is simple, fast, and free.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19?

Symptoms vary in people with COVID-19.
Most people infected with COVID-19 have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.

Symptoms can include the following:
Fever
Cough
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Chills or repeated shaking with chills
New loss of smell or taste
Fatigue
Muscle pain
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea

There are many specific causes: They are variations from the original COVID type.
The list of variants include the following:
Original strain of COVID, Omicron and its subtypes BA1, BA2, BA3. BA4, BA5; Delta and subtypes B.1.617.2 and AY.4.2; Beta and subtype B.1.351; Alpha (B.1.1.7)

HOW IS COVID-19 DIAGNOSED?

There are several test that diagnose COVID. They are not equally effective. The NAAT test is the most accurate.

RT-PCR (real-time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction) tests, often simply called PCR tests, are the type of NAAT that have the highest sensitivity and specificity/
Antigen tests can be done at home or in a health care setting, but they are generally less accurate than NAATs, including RT-PCR tests.