What Drug Helps You Get Over COVID-19 Faster?

October 7, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), antiviral medications are available for certain individuals with COVID-19 who are at high risk of severe illness. To understand what drug helps you get over COVID-19 faster, it's crucial to learn about these specific treatments, how they work, and who qualifies to receive them.

Quick Summary

This article explores approved antiviral treatments for COVID-19, including Paxlovid, molnupiravir, and remdesivir. Information covers eligibility, efficacy, and proper timing to reduce illness severity and prevent hospitalization in high-risk individuals.

Key Points

Start Antivirals Early: Oral antivirals must be started within five days of symptom onset for maximum effectiveness in high-risk patients.
Paxlovid is a Preferred Option: Paxlovid is highly effective, reducing the risk of hospitalization and death by approximately 88% in high-risk individuals.
Know Your Risk Factors: These prescription treatments are prioritized for those at high risk of severe illness.
Be Aware of Side Effects and Interactions: Paxlovid has significant drug-drug interactions.
Molnupiravir is an Alternative: Molnupiravir is an alternative option with lower efficacy and is not recommended for pregnant women.
Intravenous Remdesivir is an Option: A course of intravenous remdesivir can be administered in a healthcare setting for those who cannot take oral antivirals.

Antiviral medications play a significant role in treating COVID-19, particularly for individuals at high risk of severe disease. These drugs target the SARS-CoV-2 virus, hindering its ability to replicate within the body. By doing so, they can lessen the severity and duration of the illness and help prevent hospitalization and death.

While most people with mild COVID-19 can recover with supportive care, antiviral therapy is a crucial early intervention for those with risk factors like older age or underlying health conditions. A healthcare provider will determine the most suitable medication based on an individual's health profile and available treatments.

Approved Antiviral Treatments for High-Risk Patients

Several antiviral medications are approved or authorized for emergency use to treat COVID-19 in high-risk individuals, aiming to help them recover faster and prevent severe outcomes. These include Paxlovid, molnupiravir, and remdesivir.

Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir)

Paxlovid is an oral antiviral treatment fully approved by the FDA for certain high-risk patients. It is typically prescribed as a multi-day course of treatment and should be started within a specific timeframe after symptom onset for optimal effectiveness. Studies have shown a significant reduction in hospitalization or death for eligible patients. However, it can cause drug interactions.

Molnupiravir (Lagevrio)

Molnupiravir is another oral antiviral option, authorized for emergency use when other treatments are not suitable or accessible. It is typically taken as a multi-day course and needs to be started within a specific timeframe after symptom onset. Clinical trials showed a reduction in hospitalization or death. The CDC recommends it when preferred options are unavailable.

Remdesivir (Veklury)

Remdesivir is an antiviral administered intravenously, and it was the first fully FDA-approved treatment for COVID-19. It is used for high-risk individuals, both hospitalized and outpatients. The treatment involves a course of IV infusions over multiple consecutive days at a healthcare facility and should be started within a specific timeframe of symptom onset for outpatients. Research indicates a substantial reduction in hospitalization risk for high-risk non-hospitalized patients.

Comparison of Approved COVID-19 Antivirals


Feature	Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir)	Molnupiravir (Lagevrio)	Remdesivir (Veklury)
Administration	Oral pills	Oral capsules	Intravenous (IV) infusion
Starting Window	Within 5 days	Within 5 days	Within 7 days
Efficacy	Approx. 88% reduction in hospitalization/death	Approx. 30% reduction in hospitalization/death	Approx. 87% reduction in hospitalization risk (outpatients)
Eligibility	High-risk adults, children 12+ (≥40kg)	High-risk adults (18+)	High-risk adults and children (≥28 days old, ≥3kg)
Key Risks	Drug interactions, taste changes	Lower efficacy, potential fetal harm	Requires healthcare facility
Preference	Preferred oral option	Alternative if preferred options unavailable	Preferred IV option

What You Need to Know Before Taking Antivirals

Early treatment is critical. Starting antiviral treatment promptly after symptom onset significantly increases effectiveness. High-risk individuals should contact a healthcare provider immediately after a positive test.

Antivirals are not for everyone. These medications are generally for high-risk individuals. Those with mild illness who are not at high risk usually only require supportive care. Some antivirals have contraindications like severe liver or kidney disease.

Potential for symptom rebound. Some individuals may experience a return of symptoms or a positive test after completing a course of an antiviral. This rebound can also occur in those who didn't take antivirals and is typically mild. Additional treatment may not be typically recommended for rebound.

Ineffective or unproven treatments. Certain previously promoted drugs like hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin are not recommended for COVID-19 treatment due to lack of evidence or potential harm. Convalescent plasma is also no longer widely recommended.

The Role of Prevention

Antivirals treat COVID-19 but do not replace preventative measures. Vaccination is highly effective in protecting against severe illness. Staying current with vaccinations, practicing good hygiene, and improving indoor air quality are essential for public health.

Conclusion

For those at high risk of severe illness, approved antiviral medications like Paxlovid, molnupiravir, and remdesivir can help you get over COVID-19 faster and prevent serious complications. Each option has specific criteria and administration methods. The best approach is to seek medical advice and start treatment early. Remember that prevention through vaccination and other public health measures remains vital. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance and refer to reliable sources like the CDC and NIH for current information.

Frequently Asked Questions

For eligible high-risk patients, the antiviral drug Paxlovid is often the preferred oral treatment, having demonstrated high effectiveness in reducing hospitalization and death when taken early. Remdesivir (Veklury) is a highly effective intravenous option.

Antivirals are typically prescribed for people with mild to moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk for developing severe illness, hospitalization, or death. High-risk factors include older age and certain underlying health conditions.

For maximum effectiveness, oral antivirals like Paxlovid and molnupiravir should be started as soon as possible after diagnosis, and within five days of symptom onset. Remdesivir must be started within seven days for outpatients.

Antivirals are generally reserved for individuals at high risk of severe disease, even if their current symptoms are mild. If you are not in a high-risk category, symptomatic care with over-the-counter medications and rest is usually the recommended approach.

The most common side effects of Paxlovid include a metallic or altered sense of taste and diarrhea. It also has numerous drug-drug interactions that must be reviewed by a healthcare provider.

COVID-19 rebound is a brief recurrence of symptoms or a positive test after initial improvement. It can occur in some people after taking Paxlovid, but it is not unique to the drug and can happen with or without treatment. Rebound symptoms are typically mild.

Yes. Medications like hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin, and convalescent plasma are not recommended for treating COVID-19 based on clinical evidence showing they are ineffective or potentially harmful.