Antiviral medication can protect against severe illness from COVID-19, especially the elderly and those with medical conditions
Graphic courtesy of CDC.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Although antiviral medications are an important tool for treating people with COVID-19, they are often underused. COVID-19 antivirals help reduce hospitalizations and deaths among people at higher risk, especially
• people age 65 and older, and
• people with certain underlying medical conditions.
COVID-19 antivirals need to be prescribed more often to people who are at risk for severe illness to reduce hospitalizations and save lives.
If You Get Sick with COVID-19, Antiviral Treatments Can Protect You Against Severe Illness
With COVID-19 hospitalizations on the rise, it is important that people who get sick and are at higher risk for severe illness start treatment in the first days of illness, since symptoms can change and worsen quickly. While these antivirals are effective at preventing severe disease, not enough people are taking them.
Antivirals can provide additional protection, even if you are vaccinated, if:
• You are at least 50 years of age, especially 65 and older, OR
• You have certain underlying medical conditions, such as a weakened immune system, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, or chronic lung disease, regardless of your age.
If you get sick with COVID-19, you should talk to a medical provider about getting treatment if you fall into either of these two categories.