COVID-19

The coronavirus disease, commonly referred to as COVID-19 or COVID, is a highly contagious viral disease. There are different types, including the SARS-CoV-2, which caused the recent pandemic of the respiratory disease called COVID-19.

The most common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Dry cough
• Headache
• Muscle or body aches
• Congestion or runny nose
• Loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Chills
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Many patients with mild symptoms can be safely and effectively treated at home with over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help feel better.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized or approved several antiviral medications used to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in people who are more likely to get very sick.

Antiviral medications such as Paxlovid target specific parts of the virus to stop it from multiplying in the body once someone is infected, helping to prevent severe illness and death.

You can chat with one of our doctors on Cedars-Sinai Connect to learn more about treatment and same-day prescriptions.