COVID-19 Treatments

Updated 02/27/23

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Treatments for COVID-19 have been developed and proven effective for people with severe symptoms, or those most likely to develop severe symptoms. There are a number of different treatments, such as monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and antiviral pills, and more are being developed. All of these treatments are available by prescription only.

Who should seek treatment

If you test positive and are an older adult, or an individual who is at high-risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19, you should speak to a medical provider about treatment options as soon as you test positive, even if your symptoms are mild right now. It is very important to start treatment within the first few days of illness for it to be effective. 

A medical provider will be able to assess your eligibility, answer any questions you have, and write a prescription for the appropriate COVID-19 treatment.

 

Test to Treat program

The federal government has launched a program with the aim of providing locations someone can go from getting tested to receiving treatment in one stop. Because many of the treatments require a prescription from a medical provider, locations that are able to offer this full service are limited. 

One treatment, Paxlovid, can now be prescribed directly by a pharmacist. This is an oral antiviral pill, which is taken after you test positive for COVID-19 in order to reduce the chances of developing severe symptoms. Not all pharmacies will have Paxlovid available, and the Oregon Health Authority still recommends that you first seek treatment from your primary care provider if possible. 

 

Oregon Health Authority telehealth visit

For those individuals who cannot see a medical professional or get to a Test to Treat location in time, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has partnered with Color to enable quick, free consultations with a medical professional who can prescribe COVID-19 treatments like paxlovid. You can find more information, including how to utilize this service, on OHA's website.