Adult COVID-19 Treatment (COVID-19 Infection)
Fast MD-only COVID-19 care for adults in California by secure online video visit, $49 flat-fee, no insurance required.
Fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, and fatigue can all be caused by COVID-19, influenza, or other viral infections. Our board-certified MDs use guideline-based criteria to confirm mild to moderate COVID-19 by video, screen for red flags that require in-person care, and determine whether you are eligible for Paxlovid or whether you need supportive care alone. Care is for adults physically located in California at the time of the visit.
- $49 flat-fee visit, no hidden costs
- MD-only care, no mid-level providers
- No insurance required or accepted
- Available for adults in California (and 25+ states)
- Secure, encrypted video visits from home
Online COVID-19 Care by California-Licensed MDs
- Typical visit length: 10–15 minutes
- Paxlovid eligibility screening when appropriate
- Evidence-based symptom relief strategies
- No urgent care waiting room or exposure
For adults only (18+). You must be physically located in California at the time of your video visit. We do not prescribe controlled substances or chronic opioids for COVID-19.
What Is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It can range from mild upper respiratory symptoms to severe pneumonia, respiratory failure, and multi-organ involvement. Most adults experience a mild to moderate illness that can be managed at home, but people with certain risk factors are at higher risk for complications and may benefit from antiviral treatment.
Symptoms can include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, changes in taste or smell, and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms. Shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, or low oxygen levels are red flags that require urgent in-person or emergency evaluation.
TeleDirectMD focuses on evaluating mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults, identifying who can safely recover at home, who may benefit from outpatient antiviral therapy such as Paxlovid, and who needs urgent in-person care. We do not manage life-threatening emergencies by telehealth.
Common COVID-19 Symptoms and Red Flags
During your visit, the MD will review your symptoms, risk factors, and test results (if available) to determine whether your illness is likely COVID-19, whether you qualify for antivirals, and whether home care is safe or you need in-person evaluation.
| Symptom | What It Suggests | Telehealth appropriate? | Red flag requiring urgent in-person care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fever, chills, body aches | Common in viral infections including COVID-19 and influenza | Yes, if stable and tolerating fluids | Persistent high fever, rigors, or signs of sepsis |
| Cough and sore throat | Typical respiratory symptoms of COVID-19 or other viruses | Yes, if breathing comfortably at rest | Severe cough with breathing difficulty or coughing up blood |
| Nasal congestion and runny nose | Upper respiratory involvement; can overlap with common cold | Yes | Facial pain or swelling with high fever suggesting complicated sinusitis |
| Fatigue and headache | Very common systemic symptoms in COVID-19 | Yes | Severe headache with neck stiffness, confusion, or neurologic deficits |
| Loss of taste or smell | Can be associated with COVID-19 | Yes | Sudden neurologic symptoms such as weakness, facial droop, or difficulty speaking |
| Shortness of breath or chest tightness | May indicate lower respiratory involvement | Maybe; mild exertional symptoms need careful triage | Difficulty speaking full sentences, breathing at rest, or chest pain/pressure |
| Oxygen saturation below normal (if home pulse oximeter available) | Possible lower respiratory compromise | No, if oxygen saturation is 93% or lower at rest | SpO2 ≤ 93% at rest or rapidly worsening readings |
| Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down | Risk for dehydration and inability to take oral medications | No | Needs in-person or ER evaluation for IV fluids and monitoring |
| Confusion, new disorientation, or difficulty staying awake | Possible serious systemic illness or low oxygen | No | Emergency evaluation is required |
| Worsening symptoms after initial improvement | May indicate secondary infection or progression | Telehealth triage may be appropriate | Rapid deterioration, severe shortness of breath, or chest pain |
Conditions That Can Mimic COVID-19
Several other illnesses can cause symptoms similar to COVID-19. Part of your TeleDirectMD visit is carefully screening for these possibilities and directing you to the right level of care.
- Influenza: Often causes abrupt onset of fever, body aches, and cough; antiviral options differ from COVID-19.
- Common cold and other respiratory viruses: Can cause congestion, sore throat, and cough without severe systemic symptoms.
- Strep throat: Can cause severe sore throat and fever, sometimes with minimal cough.
- Bacterial pneumonia: Causes fever, cough, shortness of breath, and abnormal lung exam; often needs in-person evaluation and imaging.
- Asthma or COPD exacerbation: Can cause cough and shortness of breath triggered by infections or environmental exposures.
- Allergic rhinitis: Causes congestion and sneezing, typically without fever or systemic symptoms.
When a Video Visit Is Appropriate vs. When to Go In-Person
When a Video Visit Is Appropriate
- Adult 18–64 with mild to moderate respiratory symptoms
- Positive home or lab COVID-19 test or strong suspicion for COVID-19
- Breathing comfortably at rest and able to speak full sentences
- Tolerating fluids and able to take oral medications
- No red-flag chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or confusion
- Seeking Paxlovid eligibility assessment within 5 days of symptom onset
- Physically located in California at the time of the video visit
Red Flags Requiring In-Person or ER Care
- Severe shortness of breath or trouble breathing at rest
- Chest pain or pressure, especially with exertion or breathing
- Oxygen saturation 93% or lower at rest if you have a pulse oximeter
- Confusion, new disorientation, or difficulty staying awake
- Blue or gray lips, face, or nail beds
- Persistent vomiting, inability to keep fluids or medications down
- Signs of stroke, heart attack, or other acute emergency
Treatment Options for Adult COVID-19
Most adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 recover with supportive care at home. For higher-risk adults who meet eligibility criteria, an oral antiviral such as Paxlovid can reduce the risk of hospitalization and severe outcomes. At TeleDirectMD, MDs follow current guideline-based criteria for antiviral use, screen carefully for drug interactions and kidney function, and avoid unproven or unsafe therapies.
Supportive Care
- Adequate rest and hydration with water or oral rehydration solutions.
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if safe for you) for fever, headache, and body aches.
- Saline nasal spray, humidified air, and throat lozenges for congestion and sore throat.
- Cough suppressants or expectorants, when appropriate, for bothersome cough.
- Monitoring symptoms and oxygen levels if you have a home pulse oximeter.
Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir) – Example Regimen
Paxlovid is an oral antiviral used in eligible adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 who are at higher risk for progression and are within the antiviral treatment window. TeleDirectMD MDs will review your age, risk factors, kidney function history, medication list, and timing of symptom onset before prescribing.
| Medication | Dose | Duration | When used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) | 300 mg nirmatrelvir plus 100 mg ritonavir by mouth twice daily | 5 days | Eligible adults at higher risk for severe COVID-19, with symptom onset within 5 days, no major contraindications, and acceptable kidney and liver function. |
| Adjusted-dose Paxlovid | 150 mg nirmatrelvir plus 100 mg ritonavir by mouth twice daily | 5 days | Used in select patients with reduced kidney function when appropriate based on eGFR information and guideline-based criteria. |
| Acetaminophen | 500 mg to 1,000 mg by mouth every 6 hours as needed (maximum 3,000 mg per day) | As needed | For fever and pain relief if no liver disease or other contraindications. |
| Ibuprofen | 200 mg to 400 mg by mouth every 6 hours as needed | As needed | For pain and inflammation if no kidney disease, ulcer disease, or other contraindications. |
| Benzonatate | 100 mg to 200 mg by mouth three times daily as needed | Short term | For bothersome cough in adults who can safely use this medication and understand swallow-whole instructions. |
TeleDirectMD does not prescribe ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, or other non-evidence-based COVID-19 treatments. We do not manage severe COVID-19 or oxygen-requiring illness by telehealth. If your symptoms or history suggest a complicated or severe infection, we will direct you to in-person or emergency care instead of prescribing antivirals online.
Home Care, Recovery, and Return to Work
Many adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 start to feel better within several days, though fatigue and cough can last longer. Your exact isolation and return-to-work timing should follow current public health and employer guidelines, which may change over time.
- Stay home while you are feverish, significantly symptomatic, or not feeling well enough to work safely.
- Follow current masking and isolation recommendations, especially around high-risk individuals.
- Maintain hydration and nutrition as tolerated while symptoms improve.
- Resume activity gradually as your energy returns, avoiding overexertion early in recovery.
TeleDirectMD can provide a brief work note when medically appropriate as part of your $49 visit. We do not complete long-term disability, FMLA, or complex occupational forms related to COVID-19.
Seek in-person or emergency evaluation if you develop new or worsening shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, low oxygen readings, or other concerning symptoms at any point in your illness.
What to Expect From Your TeleDirectMD Visit
TeleDirectMD provides adult-only, MD-only virtual urgent care for conditions such as COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory infections. Visits are conducted by secure video, last about 10–15 minutes, and cost $49 as a flat cash fee with no insurance involvement. During your COVID-19 visit, the MD will review your symptoms, test results if available, medical history, medications, and red flags to decide whether telehealth management and antiviral therapy are appropriate.
If you meet criteria for mild to moderate COVID-19 and qualify for Paxlovid based on timing, risk factors, kidney function history, and drug interaction screening, we can send an electronic prescription to your preferred local pharmacy in California. If you are not a candidate for antivirals or need in-person evaluation instead, we will explain why and guide you on the safest next step.
We do not prescribe controlled substances, unproven COVID-19 therapies, or long-term oxygen by telehealth.
COVID-19 Treatment FAQ
Can COVID-19 really be treated safely through an online visit?
Yes, many adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 can be safely managed by telehealth. TeleDirectMD MDs assess your symptoms, risk factors, and home test results, screen for red flags that require in-person care, and determine whether you qualify for an antiviral such as Paxlovid or need supportive care alone. Any signs of severe illness will prompt immediate recommendation for in-person or emergency evaluation instead of online-only treatment.
How do you decide if I qualify for Paxlovid?
We consider your age, underlying medical conditions, vaccination status, timing of symptom onset, and current medications. Paxlovid is generally for adults at higher risk for severe COVID-19 who are within 5 days of symptom onset and who do not have contraindications based on kidney, liver function, or drug interactions. The MD will review your history in detail before prescribing.
Do I need a positive COVID-19 test before treatment?
A positive home or lab test is strongly preferred when considering antivirals such as Paxlovid. In some situations, a very high suspicion based on exposure and symptoms may be discussed, but formal guidance favors a confirmed diagnosis. If you have not tested yet, your MD may recommend rapid testing at home or in a local clinic before or alongside treatment decisions.
What if I also have other conditions or take many medications?
Paxlovid has important drug interactions and requires careful review of your medication list and past kidney and liver history. TeleDirectMD MDs will ask about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products you use. In some cases, we may recommend adjusting or temporarily holding certain medications while you take Paxlovid, or we may advise against Paxlovid and instead focus on supportive care and close monitoring with in-person follow-up.
How quickly will I feel better after starting Paxlovid or supportive care?
Symptom improvement varies; some people start to feel better within a few days, while others have a more gradual recovery. Paxlovid aims to reduce the risk of severe outcomes rather than instantly eliminating symptoms. Fatigue and cough can linger even after the acute infection improves. If your symptoms worsen, especially breathing problems or chest pain, you should seek in-person care promptly.
Do you prescribe ivermectin or other off-label COVID-19 treatments?
No. TeleDirectMD follows current evidence-based guidelines and does not prescribe ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, or other non-recommended treatments for COVID-19. Our focus is on proven options such as Paxlovid for eligible patients and high-quality supportive care advice for symptom relief.
Can you manage long COVID symptoms by telehealth?
TeleDirectMD focuses on acute and subacute COVID-19 care. Persistent symptoms lasting weeks to months after infection, often referred to as long COVID, may require a more comprehensive in-person evaluation. We can provide limited guidance and help you understand when referral to a primary care clinician or specialist clinic is appropriate.
Can you give me a work note related to COVID-19?
Yes, in many cases we can provide a brief work note as part of your $49 visit, indicating a recommended period away from work based on your symptoms and current public health guidance. We do not complete long-term disability, FMLA, or complex employer forms via this urgent care visit.
What should I watch for at home that means I need the ER?
Warning signs include worsening shortness of breath, difficulty breathing at rest, chest pain or pressure, confusion, difficulty staying awake, blue lips or face, or oxygen saturation 93% or lower at rest if you use a pulse oximeter. These signs require emergency evaluation rather than continued home management or telehealth-only care.
Are you available for COVID-19 care outside California?
TeleDirectMD currently serves adults located in California and in more than 25 additional states. During booking, you will confirm that you are physically located in a licensed state at the time of your visit so that our physicians can safely and legally provide COVID-19 care by video.