Eligibility
Treatment is available for people who are at increased risk of severe disease* and have developed COVID-19 symptoms in the last 5 days, even mild ones (such as runny nose or cough). The sooner you start treatment, the better.
Available therapeutic treatments
COVID-19 therapeutic treatments, including an FDA-approved antiviral IV therapy and oral antivirals, can help lower the amount of virus in your body, protecting you from severe symptoms.
- Treatment pills
- Paxlovid (must be taken within 5 days of your first COVID-19 symptom) is an antiviral treatment pill for individuals age 12 and older. A free telehealth service is available to help you find out if it is right for you.
- Molnupiravir (must be taken within 5 days of your first COVID-19 symptom) is an antiviral treatment pill that reduces the COVID-19 virus’ ability to multiply in the body.
- Injections/Infusions
- Remdesivir (must be given within 7 days of your first COVID-19 symptom) is an antiviral infusion medication administered over the course of 3 days for individuals who have mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and are at high risk for severe COVID-19.
How to access therapeutic treatments
Call your doctor right away to learn about your treatment options if you are positive for COVID-19.
Telehealth is also available for individuals 12 or older living in Massachusetts. Learn more at mass.gov/CovidTelehealth. This is a quick and easy way to see if Paxlovid is right for you. If it is, we’ll arrange for you to pick it up at your local pharmacy or ship it with free overnight delivery.
When to seek emergency medical attention
Look for emergency warning signs for COVID- 19:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
If someone is showing any of these signs, call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility. Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.