When you're sick with COVID, a viral infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 that can range from mild to life-threatening. Also known as coronavirus infection, it isn't just about rest and fever reducers anymore. Since 2020, science has delivered real treatment options — not just vaccines, but actual medicines that can stop the virus from taking over your body. These aren’t theoretical. People are using them right now to avoid hospital stays and long-term damage.
Not all treatments work for everyone. Paxlovid, a combination antiviral pill that blocks the virus from replicating. Also known as nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, it cuts hospitalization risk by nearly 90% if taken within five days of symptoms — but only if you’re at high risk: over 65, diabetic, heart disease, or immunocompromised. Then there’s remdesivir, an IV antiviral given in clinics or hospitals for those who are already hospitalized or at risk of severe illness. It doesn’t cure you, but it can shorten recovery time. And while monoclonal antibodies used to be a go-to, most are no longer effective against newer variants. What worked last year might not work today.
There’s also a lot of noise out there. Ivermectin? Zinc? Hydroxychloroquine? None of these have proven benefit in large, well-run studies. The FDA and WHO don’t recommend them. Taking them can be dangerous, especially if you’re mixing them with other meds. Your doctor won’t push these — they’re not in the guidelines. What they will do is check your risk level, test you early, and prescribe something that actually moves the needle. It’s not about hoping something works. It’s about using what science has tested, verified, and approved.
You don’t need to wait until you’re gasping for air to act. If you test positive and have any risk factors, call your doctor the same day. Time is everything. These treatments only help if you start them early. And if you’re healthy and young? You probably won’t need them — but knowing the options helps you understand your risks and make smarter choices. Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how these treatments are used, who gets them, and what to watch for — no marketing, no hype, just what the data says.
                            A detailed side‑by‑side comparison of Movfor (Molnupiravir) with Paxlovid, Remdesivir, monoclonal antibodies and other COVID‑19 treatments, covering efficacy, safety, cost and practical prescribing tips.
Medications