Adult COVID-19 Treatment (COVID-19)
Fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, and fatigue can all be signs of COVID-19. TeleDirectMD connects you with a board-certified MD for guideline-based evaluation, home care planning, and, when appropriate, Paxlovid antiviral treatment by secure video visit.
- $49 flat-fee visit, no surprise bills
- MD-only care, no mid-level substitutions
- No insurance required, HSA/FSA-friendly
- Available in 25+ states by secure video visit
TeleDirectMD is physician-led virtual urgent care. Every visit is with a real doctor, Parth Bhavsar, MD.
What Is COVID-19 in Adults?
COVID-19 is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Symptoms range from mild upper respiratory infection to serious pneumonia and respiratory failure. Most otherwise healthy adults experience a mild to moderate illness that can be managed at home, but people with risk factors such as older age, chronic medical conditions, or immune suppression have higher risk for complications.
In adults, early evaluation is important to identify who qualifies for antiviral treatment such as nirmatrelvir and ritonavir (Paxlovid), which must be started within a limited time window from symptom onset. Telehealth is well suited to symptom assessment, risk stratification, and home care planning when there are no red flags for severe disease.
During your TeleDirectMD visit, an MD reviews your symptoms, timing, test results, vaccination status, and medical history to distinguish mild illness that can be safely managed at home from situations that need urgent in-person or emergency evaluation.
Symptoms and Red Flags for Adult COVID-19
This table highlights common COVID-19 symptoms versus findings that should trigger in-person or emergency care.
| Symptom | What It Suggests | Telehealth Appropriate? | Red Flag Requiring In-Person or ER Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fever, chills, and body aches | Common early symptoms of viral illness including COVID-19 or influenza | Yes, if breathing is comfortable and oral intake is adequate | Seek urgent care if fever is very high, persistent, or accompanied by confusion or severe weakness |
| Cough and sore throat | Frequent in COVID-19, influenza, and other viral respiratory infections | Yes, telehealth can guide home care and testing | In-person evaluation if cough is severe, productive with blood, or associated with chest pain or shortness of breath |
| Nasal congestion, runny nose, loss of smell | Common with COVID-19, colds, and allergies | Yes, appropriate for telehealth assessment and symptom management | In-person care if symptoms come with high fever, severe headache, or facial swelling |
| Fatigue and headache | Non-specific but common in viral infections | Yes, telehealth can help distinguish benign from concerning patterns | ER evaluation if headache is sudden, severe, or accompanied by neurologic changes |
| Shortness of breath with exertion | May indicate lower respiratory involvement or deconditioning | Telehealth can triage mild symptoms if speaking in full sentences without distress | ER care if breathing is labored at rest, sentences are broken, or lips or face appear bluish |
| Chest pain or pressure | Concerning for heart or lung involvement, not just mild COVID-19 | No, beyond uncomplicated telehealth care | Requires urgent in-person or emergency evaluation |
| Low home oxygen readings (if using a pulse oximeter) | May indicate significant lung involvement or hypoxia | No, not appropriate for routine telehealth management | ER care if oxygen saturation is persistently low for age and baseline |
| Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down | Suggests risk of dehydration or more serious illness | No, telehealth alone is not appropriate | Requires urgent in-person or ER evaluation |
| Confusion, difficulty waking, or new neurologic changes | Signs of possible severe systemic or neurologic involvement | No, not manageable by telehealth alone | Emergency evaluation is needed immediately |
| High-risk conditions with worsening symptoms | Higher risk of complications in older adults or those with chronic disease | Telehealth can assess for antivirals and higher level of care needs | In-person or ER care if rapid deterioration, chest pain, or severe shortness of breath develops |
How We Distinguish COVID-19 from Flu, Colds, and Allergies
Many respiratory illnesses look similar at first. During your TeleDirectMD video visit, your physician uses symptom patterns, timing, exposure history, and available test results to narrow down the most likely diagnosis and decide whether antiviral treatment is appropriate.
- COVID-19: Fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, fatigue, body aches, sometimes loss of taste or smell, with onset over hours to days and known or possible exposure. Antiviral treatment focuses on higher-risk adults.
- Influenza (flu): Often abrupt onset with high fever, prominent body aches, headache, and fatigue, with less congestion than many colds. Antivirals differ from those used for COVID-19.
- Common cold (viral upper respiratory infection): Typically milder, with more nasal congestion and runny nose, lower fever, and less severe body aches or shortness of breath.
- Allergic rhinitis: Itchy eyes, sneezing, clear runny nose, and seasonal or environmental triggers, usually without fever, body aches, or systemic symptoms.
- Bacterial pneumonia or other serious lung disease: Higher fevers, productive cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and signs of systemic illness that require in-person evaluation and imaging.
The goal is to identify which adults can safely recover at home with supportive care, who may benefit from Paxlovid, and who needs prompt in-person or emergency assessment.
When a Video Visit Is Appropriate for COVID-19 Symptoms
When a TeleDirectMD Video Visit Is Appropriate
- Adult, generally stable, able to speak in full sentences
- Mild to moderate symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, or fatigue
- No severe shortness of breath at rest or chest pain
- Able to drink fluids and keep down medications
- Within the time window where antivirals may still be effective if eligible
- Comfortable using home COVID-19 tests and a nearby pharmacy
Red Flags Requiring In-Person or ER Care
- Severe shortness of breath, especially at rest
- Chest pain or pressure, or pain with breathing
- Confusion, difficulty waking, or new neurologic symptoms
- Very low oxygen readings at home compared with baseline (if available)
- Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids or medications down
- Very high or persistent fever with signs of systemic illness
- Rapid worsening of symptoms in a high-risk adult
If any red flag is present, do not rely on virtual care alone. Seek urgent in-person or emergency evaluation promptly, and call emergency services if there is concern for life-threatening illness.
How TeleDirectMD Treats Adult COVID-19
TeleDirectMD focuses on evidence-based supportive care, careful risk assessment, and appropriate use of antivirals such as Paxlovid for adults at higher risk of progression to severe disease. Not every patient with COVID-19 needs an antiviral medication.
Supportive and Symptom-Based Care
- Guidance on home isolation, masking, and protecting higher-risk household members
- Use of acetaminophen or ibuprofen when appropriate for fever and body aches
- Hydration strategies and rest planning during the acute phase
- Discussion of safe over-the-counter options for cough, congestion, and sore throat
- Monitoring symptoms over time and clear instructions on when to escalate care
Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir) Eligibility
For higher-risk adults who meet timing and safety criteria, Paxlovid may significantly lower the risk of hospitalization. TeleDirectMD evaluates risk factors, onset of symptoms, renal function history when available, and potential drug–drug interactions before prescribing.
Stewardship and Safety
- Antivirals are reserved for adults with risk factors who are likely to benefit
- We carefully review potential interactions with existing medications before prescribing Paxlovid
- We do not prescribe antibiotics for uncomplicated viral COVID-19
- We do not prescribe controlled substances or unproven COVID-19 therapies
- Patients receive clear guidance on expected course and when to seek urgent in-person care
Common Medications for Adult COVID-19 (Telehealth-Appropriate)
Medication choices depend on risk factors, timing of symptoms, other medications, and kidney and liver function. The table below shows examples of commonly used options in eligible adults. Exact dosing and suitability are always individualized.
| Medication | Dose | Duration | When It Is Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir (Paxlovid) standard dose | Nirmatrelvir 300 mg plus ritonavir 100 mg by mouth twice daily | 5 days | For eligible adults at higher risk of severe COVID-19 with adequate kidney function and no major drug–drug interactions |
| Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir (Paxlovid) renal dose | Nirmatrelvir 150 mg plus ritonavir 100 mg by mouth twice daily | 5 days | For selected adults with reduced kidney function who still meet criteria for Paxlovid, following renal dosing guidelines |
| Acetaminophen | Typical adult doses not exceeding recommended daily maximum | As needed during acute illness | Used to reduce fever and relieve aches in adults without contraindications |
| Ibuprofen or other NSAIDs | Typical adult doses within recommended limits | As needed during acute illness | Used for fever and pain relief in adults who can safely take NSAIDs and have no contraindications |
TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances, antibiotics for uncomplicated viral COVID-19, or unproven COVID-19 therapies. All antiviral decisions are individualized based on timing, risk factors, and interaction screening.
Home Care, Monitoring, and Return to Work
Many adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 begin to feel gradual improvement over several days, though fatigue and cough can persist longer. Your TeleDirectMD physician will explain what to expect, how to monitor at home, and when to escalate care.
- Follow isolation and masking recommendations to reduce spread, especially around high-risk individuals
- Maintain hydration and nutrition as tolerated, and rest as needed during the acute phase
- Use recommended over-the-counter medications safely for symptom relief
- Monitor for worsening shortness of breath, chest pain, or new neurologic symptoms and seek urgent care if they appear
- Discuss timing of return to work based on symptom improvement, isolation guidance, and your job’s exposure risk
- Plan follow-up with your usual clinician if symptoms are prolonged or long COVID is a concern
Many adults can return to work when fever has resolved without fever-reducing medications and overall symptoms are improving, while continuing to follow current public health and workplace guidance.
TeleDirectMD provides MD-only virtual urgent care for adults through secure video visits at a $49 flat-fee price point, available in 25+ states. We do not prescribe controlled substances, antibiotics for uncomplicated viral COVID-19, or unproven treatments. Some situations require in-person evaluation, testing, or emergency care. Your TeleDirectMD physician will be clear about what telehealth can and cannot safely manage so you know what to expect.
Clinical content reviewed by Parth Bhavsar, MD.
Frequently Asked Questions about Online COVID-19 Treatment
For adults with mild to moderate symptoms who can speak in full sentences and are not in distress, telehealth is well suited for evaluation, risk assessment, and home care planning. TeleDirectMD physicians identify red flags that require urgent in-person or emergency care instead of virtual-only management.
Eligibility depends on your age, medical conditions, vaccination status, timing from symptom onset, kidney function, and current medications. During your TeleDirectMD visit, the physician reviews these factors and determines whether Paxlovid is appropriate and safe for you based on current guidelines and interaction screening.
No. Many lower-risk adults with mild illness recover fully with supportive care alone. Antivirals such as Paxlovid are reserved for adults at higher risk of progression to severe disease, based on age and medical risk factors. TeleDirectMD helps determine whether you are likely to benefit from antiviral therapy.
Antivirals work best when started early in the illness course. If you are at higher risk for complications, you should arrange evaluation as soon as possible after symptom onset or a positive test so that your TeleDirectMD physician can determine eligibility within the recommended treatment window.
Paxlovid can interact with certain medications and may cause side effects such as altered taste or mild gastrointestinal symptoms. TeleDirectMD physicians review your medication list, risk factors, and kidney function history when available to decide if Paxlovid is safe and how to manage potential interactions.
TeleDirectMD does not prescribe antibiotics for uncomplicated viral COVID-19, and steroid use is guided by current evidence and is not appropriate for most mild outpatient cases. Your physician will explain when additional medications are indicated and when they are more harmful than helpful.
Severe shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, very low oxygen readings, inability to keep fluids down, or rapid worsening in a high-risk adult are all reasons to seek emergency care immediately. TeleDirectMD physicians emphasize these red flags and will direct you to in-person or ER care whenever virtual-only management is not safe.
Contagiousness is usually highest early in the illness and decreases over time, but exact duration varies. Your TeleDirectMD physician will review current public health guidance on isolation and masking, taking into account your symptom course, risk factors, and work setting.
TeleDirectMD can review your acute illness course, current symptoms, and red flags, and help you determine whether follow-up with your primary care physician or a specialized long COVID clinic is appropriate. We also reinforce self-monitoring and safety planning while you seek ongoing care.
TeleDirectMD is MD-only, uses a flat $49 fee, and operates in 25+ states with a focus on evidence-based care and antiviral stewardship. Every visit is with a board-certified physician who clearly explains when telehealth is appropriate, when antivirals like Paxlovid are indicated, and when in-person or emergency care is safer.