What is the first treatment for COVID-19?

For a mild illness, supportive care may include rest, fluids, and suitable medicine for fever or discomfort. A clinician considers the day symptoms began, breathing, age, pregnancy, immune status, and other medical conditions. Some people at higher risk of severe illness may be considered for time-sensitive antiviral treatment, which must be prescribed and checked for interactions.

A positive or suspected infection does not automatically mean the same treatment is suitable for everyone. A COVID-19 test can help clarify the situation, especially when the result could change advice or treatment.

Contact a GP or use a telemedicine consultation if you have symptoms and need advice, particularly if you have a condition or medicine that may increase risk. Tell the clinician when symptoms started, your temperature if measured, breathing changes, and all medicines you take.

Rest, drink regularly, and use only medicines that are suitable for you and follow their label or clinician instructions. Reduce close contact while unwell and follow current local health advice. Do not take leftover antibiotics or someone else’s antiviral medicine.

Get urgent help for severe difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, unusual difficulty waking, fainting, or lips or face that look blue or grey. Seek prompt clinical advice if symptoms are worsening, fever persists, you cannot keep fluids down, or you are in a higher-risk group and symptoms have recently started.

Ask whether testing is useful, whether you qualify for time-sensitive treatment, which symptom medicines are safe with your regular prescriptions, and what changes should prompt urgent review.