Waukesha County Help Center

    COVID-19 Treatments

    February 27th, 2023

    Written By Fue Yang

    Updated by Kristin Beilfuss on February 27th, 2023


    Oral antiviral medications for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 are now widely available across Wisconsin. Individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 are urged to test as soon as possible and talk to their health care provider to see if any of the approved COVID-19 treatments will be right for them. Individuals must have a prescription from a health care provider or designated Test-to-Treat site to get these treatments. Remember, these treatments and preventative tools do not replace the need to stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccines and boosters remain the most effective way to prevent severe illness that may require hospitalization if you get COVID-19.


    NIH Recommendations for Treatment of Non-hospitalized Adults with COVID-19

    The following treatments are recommended by the National Institutes of Health for non-hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

    Preferred Therapies: In order of preference

    Paxlovid:   Anti-viral taken orally twice daily for 5 days, initiated within 5 days of symptom onset

    Remdesivir (Veklury): IV Anti-Viral administered over three days, initiated within 7 days of symptom onset

    Alternative Therapies: For use only when preferred therapies are not available. Listed in alphabetical order 

    Lagevrio:     Anti-viral taken orally twice daily for 5 days, initiated within 5 days of symptom onset


    Not all medications are appropriate for all individuals. If upon discussion with your health care provider these treatments are not available or in your best interest, we recommend that you treat symptoms associated with COVID-19 by appropriately using the over the counter remedies. Your healthcare provider or a Test-to-Treat site can determine if these treatments are right for you. Oral anti-viral pills can be accessed at retail pharmacies across the state. Many of the medications are covered by the Federal Government, however there may be a charge for administering the medications. Talk to your healthcare provider about any out of pocket costs. If you are interested learning about COVID-19 therapeutics, please see the COVID-19: Treatments and Medications webpage for information. To find locations near you, see the treatment locator map.  

    On May 24, 2022 the CDC issued an alert about Rebound infections after treatment with Paxlovid.   Individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms after treatment with Paxlovid should follow CDC’s guidance on isolation and take precautions to prevent further transmission. Patients should re-isolate for at least 5 days. Per CDC guidance, they can end their re-isolation period after 5 full days if fever has resolved for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and symptoms are improving. The patient should wear a mask for a total of 10 days after rebound symptoms started. Contact a healthcare provider if your COVID-19 rebound symptoms persist or worsen.  If you experience Rebound COVID-19 after Paxlovid you are encouraged to report to Pfizer using the following online tool: Pfizer Safety Reporting.  

    For more information or to help find locations near you, please call the Waukesha County COVID-19 Call Center at (262)896-8430 (press 1 for English or 2 for Spanish then select option 1).

    Click here to return to the Main COVID-19 webpage


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