- Treatment
COVID-19 treatment options
From over-the-counter (OTC) medication to prescription medicines, understand your options for managing COVID-19 and when to speak with a healthcare provider.
Key takeaways
When you're sick with COVID-19, a common approach may be to reach for over-the-counter (OTC) medications, but there may be more options to help you manage the virus.
Over-the-counter medications can be purchased without a prescription. They’re typically used to temporarily relieve symptoms like pain, fever, or congestion and are generally considered safe for short-term use when taken as directed.
If you are looking for another, less temporary solution, prescription treatments for COVID-19 exist and may be right for you. If taken early after confirming you’re positive with COVID, prescription medications can help reduce the risk of severe illness by treating the virus itself. These medications can only be used with approval and instructions from a healthcare provider on how to use them safely.
Knowing the difference can help you make more informed decisions about your care if you get COVID-19.
Can over-the-counter medications treat COVID-19?
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help temporarily relieve some of the symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, body aches, or headaches, but they don’t treat the virus itself.
OTC medications that may be used to manage symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Acetaminophen (ex: Tylenol) – for fever and pain relief
- Ibuprofen (ex: Advil, Motrin) – for inflammation, fever, and pain
- Cough suppressants and decongestants – for respiratory symptoms
These can help you feel more comfortable while your body fights the virus, but they don’t address the root cause: the virus itself.
What about prescription COVID-19 treatments?
If you have COVID-19 and are at high risk for severe illness (see below), there are prescription medicines available that treat the virus itself. Prescription medications must be taken within the first 5-7 days of experiencing symptoms, so it’s important to contact your healthcare provider right away.
The following groups of people are considered at risk for developing severe COVID-19:
- Older adults: People 50 and older are more likely to experience complications from COVID-19, and that risk increases significantly after age 65.
- People with certain underlying medical conditions: People with certain underlying health conditions including, but not limited to, diabetes, heart disease, chronic lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, or a weakened immune system.
- People not up to date on COVID-19 vaccination: People who haven’t received the updated COVID-19 vaccine are at increased risk of severe illness. Vaccination remains the most important tool for reducing the impact of COVID-19.
To find out if you are at high risk of severe COVID-19, take a COVID-19 Risk Assessment.
If you're at higher risk, and you're experiencing symptoms, it's especially important to catch COVID-19 early and address it. Learn more about how and when to talk to your healthcare provider about COVID-19.
How do I get a prescription medication for COVID-19?
To get a prescription medication to treat COVID-19, you'll need to talk to a healthcare provider first to see if you qualify.
If you don’t have a regular doctor, you can contact your local pharmacy, community health center, or health department. PfizerForAll can also help connect you with telehealth providers who can guide you through your care options. They’ll assess your symptoms, review your medical history, and determine if a prescription medication may be right for you.
Know the treatment options for COVID-19 and act early
While over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help temporarily relieve symptoms if you have COVID-19, they don’t treat the virus itself. If you have COVID-19 and you’re at high risk for severe illness, talk to a healthcare provider about prescription treatment options. Not every COVID-19 experience is the same. Sometimes, symptoms can get worse before you know it, so acting quickly to seek treatment can help make a difference.
Frequently
asked questions
Can I take cold medicine if I get COVID-19?
Sometimes, yes. Over-the-counter (OTC) cold medications often contain combinations of acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and pain, along with cough suppressants or decongestants to help manage respiratory symptoms. Because OTC cold products vary and the most appropriate choice depends on your specific symptoms and any underlying medical conditions, ask a healthcare provider which option may be best for you.
When should I consider a prescription medication for COVID-19?
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help relieve COVID-19 symptoms, but only prescription medicines are designed to treat the virus itself. Prescription medications may be an option for those at high risk of severe illness. So, if you experience symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, contact a healthcare professional right away to discuss whether prescription medication may be appropriate for you.
Can COVID-19 be treated at home with over-the-counter meds?
If symptoms are mild, you may be able to manage them with over-the-counter (OTC) medications. However, if you’re at high risk of more severe COVID-19, you may benefit from prescription medications which treat the virus itself. Not every COVID-19 experience is the same, so talk to a healthcare provider about what treatment options are best for you.
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References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People with Certain Medical Conditions and COVID-19 Risk Factors. June 11, 2025. Accessed August 1, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors/index.html.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Types of COVID-19 Treatment. May 8, 2025. Accessed October 17, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/treatment/index.html.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Underlying Conditions and the Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19. February 6, 2025. Accessed August 1, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/underlying-conditions.html.
Eccles R, Boivin G, Cowling BJ, Pavia A, Selvarangan R. Treatment of COVID-19 Symptoms With Over the Counter (OTC) Medicines Used for Treatment of Common Cold and Flu. Clin Infect Pract. 2023;19:100230. doi.org/10.1016/j.clinpr.2023.100230.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Coronavirus (COVID-19) Drugs. December 29, 2023. Accessed October 21, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/emergency-preparedness-drugs/coronavirus-covid-19-drugs.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Know Your Treatment Options for COVID-19. November 19, 2024. Accessed October 17, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/know-your-treatment-options-covid-19.
Gregory, CO, Hall AJ. CDC Yellow Book: Health Information for International Travel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. April 23, 2025. Accessed August 1, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/yellow-book/hcp/travel-associated-infections-diseases/covid-19.html.