This blog was originally posted in 2020. Some information may be out of date. For the latest updates on vaccines, testing, screening, visitor policy and post-COVID support, visit EEHealth.org/coronavirus.

With the number of people infected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) rising every day, scientists are working around the clock to find ways to effectively treat the virus.

Since antibiotics don’t work against viruses, the body’s immune system must typically fight them off until they run their course. This is challenging when symptoms become severe, as in some cases of the novel coronavirus.

In October 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of antiviral drug remdesivir as a treatment for people age 12 and older who are hospitalized for COVID-19.

Doctors had been using remdesivir since May 2020, when the FDA granted an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the drug. This is a mechanism the FDA uses to allow medications to be used in emergency situations because they have shown some benefit and good safety data.

“The Food and Drug Administration’s approval of remdesivir for the treatment of COVID-19 is a great accomplishment. We are encouraged with having this medication in our tool kit to help treat patients with COVID-19 infections. The other medications are being used based on our clinical experience with treating this disease as well as experience with treating other diseases. Immune modulators, corticosteroids and anticoagulants, along with remdesivir, are assisting patients with their recovery,” says Phillip Williams, Pharm.D., MBA, Associate Vice President of Pharmacy Services for Edward-Elmhurst Health.

The FDA rescinded the EUA for hydroxychloroquine in June 2020 due to lack of efficacy against the virus and safety concerns, especially cardiovascular safety.

There are also antiviral medications available through an EUA for high-risk patients: Paxlovid is an antiviral medication that has been granted an EUA for high-risk patients. Molnuperivir is an oral antiviral medication that has been granted an EUA for high-risk patients when other treatments are not available.

Antivirals should be given as early as possible and were found to be effective when given within 5 days of symptom onset. Monoclonal antibodies are available through an EUA up to 10 days after symptoms start, but their effectiveness diminishes each day so it's best to received them as soon as possible.

There are also investigational drugs for COVID-19 being studied in clinical trials underway across the globe.

“New information is being disseminated daily. This new information is constantly being reviewed and evaluated to determine if and when we should incorporate new medications into our treatment decisions and when we should alter what is currently being done,” says Williams.

Current treatment for mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms may include supportive care such as hydration (IV fluids), pain and fever control, and breathing treatments. Sometimes antibiotics are used to treat concurrent bacterial infections.

There is some information cautioning patients about taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen (Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). This information has not been studied or confirmed and therefore, it is difficult to make a recommendation. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an effective medication for mild pain and fever control.

Patients with more severe symptoms are typically admitted to the hospital and treated with various medications to slow the progression of the disease and relieve symptoms. Some patients need supplementary oxygen and mechanical ventilatory support.

Techniques such as proning (having patients lay on their stomach), as well as the addition of glucocorticoids, such as dexamethasone and blood thinners (heparin), have helped our patients recover quicker. Patients who develop clotting complications as a result of the virus may receive blood thinners.

In the meantime, doctors continue to emphasize the importance of infection prevention and control measures to slow the spread of the virus.

It is important to note that treatment information is changing daily, and medications are being added and removed based on evolving experience and information about COVID-19.

Fortunately, most people who become ill with COVID-19 will be able to recover at home. However, if you begin to experience more severe symptoms, such as an elevated fever, shortness of breath and/or trouble breathing, seek immediate medical attention.

At Edward-Elmhurst Health, our top priority is the safety and protection of patients, staff, physicians and the community. For updates on our planning and response efforts as we work to stop the spread of COVID-19, please check EEHealth.org/coronavirus.

The information in this article may change at any time due to the changing landscape of this pandemic. Read the latest on COVID-19.