Treating COVID-19 At Home

Updated February 9, 2022

Note: If you are a healthcare provider, please visit Outpatient COVID-19 Treatments: Information for Healthcare Providers.

In general, most people with COVID-19 can recover at home. Talk to your health care provider if you've tested positive for COVID-19 or if you're experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. If you don't have a health care provider, call the State's COVID Helpline at 907-646-3322 or contact your local Public Health Center for guidance.

Below are COVID-19 treatments that health care providers might recommend.

On this page:

Basic treatment

  • Get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible.
  • Talk to a health care provider as soon as possible for guidance and to know if you might benefit from medication or treatment, especially if you are at higher risk for severe COVID-19.
  • Stay home and isolate from others for at least 5 days, except to get medical care.
  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Stay well hydrated.
  • Take over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), to reduce symptoms.
    • Be sure to follow directions and keep track of all the ingredients and the doses. For acetaminophen, the total daily dose from all products should not exceed 3,000 mg.
  • Rest in the prone position (flat on your stomach) for easier breathing.
  • Engage in light physical activity that you can comfortably tolerate, such as walking.
  • Monitor your symptoms, and get emergency medical care immediately for emergency warning signs.

COVID-19 medications

Medications that fight COVID-19 are widely available across Alaska. Most Alaskans have a condition that may make them eligible. Have a plan for what to do when you get sick. Here's what to know.

  1. Know if you're eligible
    Health conditions that could make someone eligible for COVID-19 medications include age, depression, diabetes, overweight/obesity, physical inactivity, heart conditions, chronic lung diseases, current/former smoking, substance abuse disorders, and some disabilities. View the CDC's list of eligible conditions.
  2. As soon as you get sick, act fast
    Make a plan for getting a COVID-19 test and talking to a health care provider to get a prescription. As soon as you get symptoms, treatment must start within 5 days for antiviral pills, or within 7 days for IV treatments.

Need help?

Need a COVID-19 test? Don't have a health care provider? Can't find a pharmacy near you with COVID-19 medications? Call the State's COVID Helpline at 907-646-3322 or contact your local Public Health Center for guidance.

Paxlovid

Paxlovid is an oral antiviral drug for patients who are at least 12 years old and weigh at least 88 lbs. This treatment needs to be started within five days of symptom onset.

Remdesivir

Remdesivir is an antiviral drug for patients of all ages who weigh at least 7.7 lbs.Unlike oral antivirals, remdesivir is given by IV infusion. Doses are given over three days and needs to be started within seven days of symptom onset.

Bebtelovimab

IMPORTANT UPDATE [11/30/2022]: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced bebtelovimab is not currently authorized (and cannot be used) for emergency use in the U.S. because it is not expected to neutralize Omicron subvariants BQ.1 and BQ.1.1., according to data included in the Health Care Provider Fact Sheet. Paxlovid, remdisivir, and molnupiravir are expected to retain activity against currently circulating variants, including Omicron subvariants BQ.1 and BQ.1.1

Molnupiravir

Molnupiravir is an oral antiviral drug for patients 18 or older. This treatment needs to be started within five days of symptom onset.

Before infection: EVUSHELD

As of 1/26/2023, the FDA announced that EVUSHLED is currently not authorized as it is unlikely to be effective against current circulating virus variants.

Treatments for hospitalized patients

Learn more about COVID-19 treatments for hospitalized patients.

Other treatments

Medical researchers continue to develop new COVID-19 treatments and evaluate existing drugs as possible treatments for COVID-19. The FDA ensures the safety and effectiveness of all potential treatments through a transparent and rigorous process.

Updates and further information on COVID-19 treatment options can be found on the FDA website.

Resources