Most people with mild symptoms and no underlying health conditions can recover at home, as 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), UC San Diego Health offers some potential therapies, based on needs and availability, that can prevent the worsening of COVID-19 symptoms and hospitalization:
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Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid): The preferred treatment for COVID-19 is Paxlovid, which your primary care doctor can prescribe if needed within five days of symptoms appearing. If you’re not a candidate for this oral antiviral, you could be referred to a specialist for either of these following treatments.
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Remdesivir: This intravenous antiviral can be given as a daily infusion for three days to high-risk immunocompromised patients within seven days of symptom onset.
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Molnupiravir: This alternative oral antiviral can be given within five days of symptoms appearing.
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 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.
For more information about COVID-19: