Most people with mild symptoms and no underlying health conditions can recover at home, as they would with the flu or a cold. For those who are at high risk for severe COVID-19, there are several therapies to help prevent severe complications and hospitalizations.
COVID-19 Therapies for High-Risk Patients
For high-risk patients recently diagnosed with COVID-19 (within five to seven days of onset of symptoms), we offer some potential therapies, based on needs and availability, that can prevent worsening of COVID-19 symptoms and hospitalization:
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Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid): This oral antiviral should be started within five days of symptoms appearing.
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Remdesivir: This intravenous antiviral can be given as a daily infusion for three days to high-risk persons within seven days of symptom onset.
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Monoclonal antibody infusion: Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are lab-produced proteins that function like antibodies naturally generated by the human immune system to fight infection. Monoclonal antibody therapy for COVID-19, designed to target the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is administered by IV infusion and should be given within a week after symptoms first appear. It's considered an alternative therapy if Paxlovid or Remdesivir is not feasible.
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Molnupiravir: This alternative oral antiviral can be given within five days of symptoms appearing.
COVID-19 Prevention for Immunocompromised Patients
A long-acting monoclonal antibody drug called Evusheld can help prevent COVID-19 infection in individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. The preventive drug is delivered by intramuscular injections. It is not a substitute for vaccination and should be given to patients who are fully vaccinated and boosted. You can talk to your doctor about whether you're eligible for Evusheld.
Care for Long-Term Complications After COVID-19 Infection
If you have long-term chronic problems from COVID-19 or "long COVID," you can get help from our
Post-COVID Care clinic for your recovery.
COVID-19 Telehealth Services for Vulnerable Adults
Our
COVID-19 Telemedicine Clinic offers virtual consultations and care upon referral for patients with multiple risk factors for severe disease.
COVID-19 Resources
Emergency Care
If you have a medical emergency,
call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department.
Our
ER locations in San Diego County are open 24 hours every day.
To prevent getting COVID-19,
get vaccinated, wash your hands frequently,
wear a mask in public, practice social distancing and avoid crowded places.
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Info for patients and visitors: Learn more about our
COVID-19 services.
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Appointments: If you have questions about an upcoming appointment at UC San Diego Health, please call your doctor’s office.
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General questions: If you have general questions about UC San Diego Health and the pandemic, please consult your primary care provider.
You can also find more information about COVID-19 from these websites: