Effective Home Treatment for COVID-19
For those who have tested positive for COVID-19, there is now hope for a home treatment that can reduce the risk of hospitalization. Antiviral pills, when taken promptly, have shown promise in lessening the severity of symptoms. However, it is crucial to act quickly, as these pills must be taken within five days of symptom onset.
Targeting the High-Risk Population
The antiviral medication is primarily intended for individuals with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms who are at a higher risk of developing severe illness. This includes older adults and those with underlying health conditions such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes.
How to Obtain the Pills in the U.S.
To acquire these antiviral pills, there are several options available:
– Take an at-home COVID-19 test and consult your healthcare provider. If prescribed, you can obtain the medication from your regular pharmacy.
– Visit a test-to-treat site, where pharmacists can diagnose your COVID-19 status, provide a prescription, and dispense the pills all in one visit. Find a test-to-treat site at treatments.hhs.gov.
– Utilize the National Institutes of Health’s Home Test to Treat program, which offers telehealth appointments and delivers medications to eligible individuals. For more information, visit www.test2treat.org.
Paxlovid: The Leading Antiviral Pill
The most commonly prescribed antiviral pill for COVID-19 is Paxlovid. Although its list price is approximately $1,400, most individuals should not have to pay that amount. Those on federal insurance programs like Medicaid and Medicare will receive the drug for free until the end of 2024. Uninsured individuals can also obtain it without cost. However, a patient assistance program administered by Pfizer must be utilized to access the discount. Additionally, those with commercial insurance and high out-of-pocket costs can receive financial assistance through a separate co-pay assistance program. For more information, visit paxlovid.iassist.com.
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