COVID-19 Treatment: What Works, What Doesn’t, and What to Ask Your Doctor

When you’re sick with COVID-19 treatment, the medical approaches used to reduce severity, speed recovery, and prevent hospitalization in people infected with SARS-CoV-2. Also known as coronavirus therapy, it’s not one-size-fits-all—what helps one person might do nothing for another. The rules changed fast during the pandemic, and even now, confusion lingers. You might have heard about pills, shots, or home remedies. But which ones actually move the needle? And who should be using them?

Paxlovid, an antiviral combo drug approved for early-stage COVID-19 in high-risk patients. Also known as nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, it cuts hospitalization risk by nearly 90% if taken within five days of symptoms. But it’s not for everyone—drug interactions can be dangerous, especially if you’re on blood thinners or cholesterol meds. Then there’s monoclonal antibodies, lab-made proteins that help the immune system target the virus. Also known as COVID antibody infusions, they were once a go-to for high-risk patients, but most lost effectiveness as the virus evolved. New versions are in development, but availability is limited. And don’t forget long COVID management, the ongoing care needed for people whose symptoms—fatigue, brain fog, heart palpitations—last weeks or months after infection. Also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2, this isn’t just fatigue. It’s a real, measurable condition with no single cure, but targeted rehab and symptom control can help. These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re real treatment categories with real evidence behind them.

What you won’t find working? Antibiotics. Ivermectin. Hydroxychloroquine. These were pushed hard early on, but multiple large studies, including ones from the WHO and NIH, show they don’t help with COVID-19 and can cause harm. Same goes for high-dose vitamin C, zinc lozenges, or colloidal silver—no solid proof, just noise. The real tools are targeted: antivirals for early infection, oxygen and steroids for severe cases, and supportive care for recovery.

Here’s what matters: if you test positive and are over 50, have diabetes, heart disease, or a weakened immune system, act fast. Talk to your doctor within 24–48 hours. Don’t wait for symptoms to get bad. That’s when Paxlovid or similar drugs work best. If you’re younger and healthy, rest, hydrate, and monitor for warning signs—trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion. Most people recover at home, but knowing when to call for help saves lives.

Below, you’ll find real guides on what’s actually in use, what’s being studied, and how to avoid the traps of misinformation. No fluff. No hype. Just what you need to know to make smart choices about your health after a positive test.