As we continue our weekly COVID-19 updates, this week we explore: Antiviral Medication for treating COVID-19

Antiviral Medication for treating COVID-19

What are antivirals?

Antivirals are medicines that are effective against viruses like COVID-19. They won’t prevent you from getting COVID-19 but they can prevent severe illness and reduce the number of people requiring hospitalisation. Antivirals can be can be lifesaving. They may also reduce the risk of passing on COVID-19 within a household or amongst close contacts.

Antivirals do not replace vaccination. Vaccinations are the best way to protect you from becoming severely ill with COVID-19.

 

Am I eligible for antiviral treatment?

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may be eligible to receive antiviral treatment. People who are eligible include:

• People who are moderately immunocompromised
• People with chronic medical comorbidities
• People aged 50 years or older; or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 30 years or older
• People with significant physical or intellectual disabilities requiring residential care
• People aged 70 years or over who test positive to COVID-19, with or without symptoms

• Children with significant medical comorbidities and pregnant women are also advised to contact their GP to discuss their treatment plan.

If you are uncertain if you are eligible or want to discuss antivirals please contact your GP to discuss.

 

How can I access antivirals?

If your doctor recommends oral antiviral treatments, they will provide you with a prescription. Prescriptions can be filled at your local pharmacy. Treatment should start as soon as possible, within 5 days of your symptoms appearing.

Your doctor can send the pharmacist your prescription electronically so the medications can be either collected by a friend or family member (you will be in isolation having tested positive). Home delivery may also be available.

 

Where can I find more information?

You can visit the following websites for more information on COVID-19 medication and eligibility:

https://www.health.gov.au/health-alerts/covid-19/treatments/eligibility

https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/covid-19-medicines

https://bswphu.org.au/antivirals

If you need information or advice on COVID-19 or COVID vaccines, please call the Australian Government’s National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.