Online COVID-19 Treatment in Florida for Adults
Fast MD-only COVID-19 care by secure online video visit for adults in Florida, $49 flat-fee, no insurance required.
COVID-19 is a viral respiratory illness that can range from mild symptoms to severe pneumonia and respiratory failure. Many adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 can be safely managed at home with telehealth, while certain higher-risk patients may benefit from early antiviral treatment. Our board-certified MDs provide guideline-based COVID-19 assessment, review eligibility for oral antivirals such as nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid), and identify red-flag symptoms that require in-person or emergency care in Florida.
- Board-certified MD every visit (no mid-levels)
- $49 flat-fee video visit, adults in Florida
- No insurance required; HSA/FSA friendly
- Available in 25+ states, including Florida
- Guideline-based COVID-19 risk and antiviral eligibility review
What Is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is an illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and primarily affects the respiratory tract. Typical symptoms include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, congestion, fatigue, body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, and sometimes shortness of breath or chest discomfort. Illness severity varies widely: many adults experience mild to moderate symptoms, while others—especially older adults and those with underlying conditions—are at higher risk for severe disease and hospitalization.
TeleDirectMD focuses on adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 who are stable at home, as well as higher-risk patients who may qualify for early outpatient antiviral therapy. During your Florida video visit, the MD confirms your diagnosis or suspicion, reviews risk factors, checks for signs of clinical instability, and determines whether supportive care alone or antiviral treatment is most appropriate.
Symptoms and Red Flags for Adult COVID-19
The table below summarizes common COVID-19 symptoms, what they may indicate, and when telehealth is appropriate versus when urgent in-person or emergency care is needed.
| Symptom | What it suggests | Telehealth appropriate? | Red flag requiring urgent in-person or ER care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fever and chills | Common early COVID-19 symptom and marker of systemic infection | Yes, if fever responds to medication and you remain stable | Persistent high fever with confusion, chest pain, or difficulty breathing |
| Cough and sore throat | Upper and lower respiratory involvement from COVID-19 or other viruses | Yes, if breathing is comfortable at rest | Shortness of breath at rest, gasping, or inability to speak full sentences |
| Loss of taste or smell | Characteristic symptom of COVID-19 in many patients | Yes, often appropriate for telehealth home management | Associated with neurologic symptoms such as confusion or stroke signs |
| Fatigue, body aches, and headache | Systemic viral symptoms that can be prominent with COVID-19 | Yes, if no neurologic deficits or severe weakness | Severe headache with stiff neck, focal weakness, confusion, or seizure |
| Shortness of breath with exertion | Possible lower respiratory involvement; concerning if progressive | Telehealth can triage mild exertional symptoms | Shortness of breath at rest, rapid breathing, bluish lips or face |
| Chest tightness or discomfort | May result from coughing, bronchitis, or viral pneumonia | May be appropriate for telehealth if mild and non-progressive | Severe or worsening chest pain, especially with breathing, or cardiac-type pain |
| GI symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) | Recognized COVID-19 manifestations, especially in some variants | Yes, if mild and hydration is maintained | Persistent vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, or signs of dehydration |
| COVID-19 in high-risk adults | Higher risk of progression to severe disease | Telehealth can guide antiviral therapy and monitoring if stable | Any signs of decompensation, oxygen saturation decline, or confusion |
Conditions That Can Mimic COVID-19
Many respiratory illnesses can present similarly to COVID-19. During your TeleDirectMD visit, the MD will ask targeted questions to help distinguish among:
- Influenza: Sudden fever, chills, myalgias, and cough with seasonal clustering.
- Common cold and other coronaviruses: Milder upper respiratory symptoms with less systemic involvement.
- RSV and other viral bronchitis: Prominent cough and lower airway symptoms.
- Bacterial pneumonia: Higher fevers, productive cough, pleuritic chest pain, and focal findings.
- Asthma or COPD exacerbations: Wheeze and breathlessness often triggered by infections or allergens.
- Allergic rhinitis or sinusitis: Nasal congestion and drainage with less systemic illness.
TeleDirectMD does not replace hospital or emergency care. If your history or symptoms suggest pneumonia, severe COVID-19, or another complication, we will recommend in-person evaluation in Florida and clarify what to tell the urgent care, emergency department, or primary care office.
When a Florida Video Visit Is Appropriate for COVID-19
Many adults with mild to moderate COVID-19, and higher-risk adults who are still stable at home, can be evaluated and treated safely through an MD-only TeleDirectMD video visit. The checklists below outline when telehealth is a good fit and when in-person or ER care is safer.
Video Visit Is Usually Appropriate When
- You are an adult located in Florida (age 18 or older).
- You have tested positive for COVID-19 or have classic symptoms and a known exposure.
- You can breathe comfortably at rest and speak full sentences.
- You can drink fluids and keep oral medications down.
- Your oxygen saturation at rest (if you have a home pulse oximeter) is typically ≥ 94% on room air.
- You are at higher risk but currently stable and within the window for outpatient antiviral therapy.
- You can review your medication list for potential drug interactions with antivirals.
Red Flags Requiring In-Person or ER Care
- Shortness of breath at rest, rapid breathing, or gasping for air.
- Oxygen saturation persistently < 94% at rest on room air (if measured), or a rapid downward trend.
- Chest pain or pressure, especially if severe or worsening.
- Confusion, difficulty waking up, new disorientation, or stroke-like symptoms.
- Lips or face turning blue or gray.
- Persistent high fever with shaking chills and signs of sepsis.
- Severe dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea, with dizziness or very low urine output.
- Pregnancy with significant shortness of breath, chest pain, or decreased fetal movement.
How TeleDirectMD Treats COVID-19 in Florida
During your $49 MD-only video visit, the physician will confirm your COVID-19 status or level of suspicion, review symptom onset and risk factors, and decide whether supportive care alone or outpatient antiviral therapy is appropriate. TeleDirectMD focuses on nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid) as the primary oral antiviral for eligible adults, with careful attention to kidney function and potential drug interactions.
Supportive Care for Mild to Moderate Illness
- Hydration with water or oral rehydration solutions, taking small frequent sips if appetite is low.
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever, headache, and body aches if safe for you.
- Rest and avoidance of strenuous activity during the acute phase of illness.
- Symptomatic management of cough, congestion, and sore throat with appropriate over-the-counter options.
- Home monitoring for symptom progression and clear guidance on when to escalate care.
Antiviral Therapy: Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir (Paxlovid)
Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid) can reduce the risk of hospitalization and severe outcomes in higher-risk adults when started early in the course of COVID-19. Your TeleDirectMD physician will consider it if you:
- Have confirmed or strongly suspected COVID-19 with symptom onset typically within the last 5 days.
- Are at higher risk for progression (for example, age ≥ 50, chronic heart, lung, or kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, immunocompromise).
- Have kidney function and medication profile that allow safe use after drug interaction review.
We carefully screen for major drug-drug interactions with ritonavir and adjust dosing based on estimated kidney function. TeleDirectMD does not prescribe other outpatient COVID-19 antivirals or monoclonal antibodies; our outpatient antiviral focus is Paxlovid when indicated and safe.
Common Medications for Adult COVID-19 (Outpatient)
| Medication | Dose (adults) | Duration | When we may use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid) standard dose | 300 mg nirmatrelvir plus 100 mg ritonavir by mouth BID | 5 days | Eligible adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 at higher risk for severe disease and adequate kidney function after drug interaction review |
| Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid) renal dose | 150 mg nirmatrelvir plus 100 mg ritonavir by mouth BID | 5 days | Selected adults with moderate renal impairment (for example, eGFR 30 to 59 mL/min) when appropriate |
| Acetaminophen | Up to 650 to 1000 mg by mouth every 6 hours (max per MD) | Short term | Fever and pain relief in adults without specific contraindications |
| Ibuprofen | 400 to 600 mg by mouth every 6 hours (max per MD) | Short term | Alternative or adjunct for fever and myalgias in adults without NSAID contraindications |
| Guaifenesin and cough suppressants | Per product label | Short term | Cough management when appropriate and safe with current medications |
Final medication choice, dose, and duration are always individualized based on your age, kidney and liver function, pregnancy status, allergies, other health conditions, medication list, and current guidelines at the time of your visit. TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances and focuses on Paxlovid as the primary outpatient antiviral when safe and indicated.
Home Care, Isolation, and Return-to-Work Guidance
Most adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 recover over 1 to 2 weeks, though fatigue and cough can last longer. Your MD will review isolation guidance and return-to-work timing during the visit based on current public health recommendations and your specific situation.
Home Care Tips
- Rest and avoid strenuous activity until you are clearly improving.
- Drink fluids regularly to prevent dehydration.
- Use medications exactly as prescribed and complete the full antiviral course if Paxlovid is given.
- Monitor for any worsening shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, or difficulty staying hydrated.
- Follow MD instructions on home monitoring and when to seek in-person or emergency care.
Isolation and Return-to-Work
Isolation and masking recommendations may change over time, but in general you should stay home while you are feverish or clearly contagious and follow the latest guidance on masking when around others. TeleDirectMD can usually provide a brief note confirming evaluation and outlining general isolation and return-to-work recommendations. We do not complete FMLA, disability, or long-term workplace accommodation forms.
About TeleDirectMD’s Online COVID-19 Care in Florida
TeleDirectMD is a physician-led virtual urgent care service providing MD-only video visits for adults in Florida and 25+ other states. Each visit is a $49 flat-fee with no insurance required. We focus on conditions that can be safely managed through telehealth, use guideline-based evaluation for suspected or confirmed COVID-19, review eligibility for outpatient antivirals such as nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid), and prescribe medications only when clinically appropriate. Visits are conducted by secure video, and most prescriptions are sent electronically to your preferred pharmacy within minutes of the visit when indicated. TeleDirectMD is not a replacement for the emergency department; if you have red-flag symptoms or feel severely ill, call 911 or seek in-person care immediately.
Florida COVID-19 Telehealth: Frequently Asked Questions
Can TeleDirectMD treat COVID-19 in Florida by video visit?
Yes. TeleDirectMD provides MD-only online video visits for adults located in Florida who have confirmed or suspected COVID-19 and are stable at home. During the visit, the physician reviews your symptoms and risk factors, assesses severity, and determines whether supportive care alone or outpatient antiviral therapy is appropriate.
Do I need a positive COVID-19 test before my telehealth visit?
A positive test is helpful but not always required before the visit. If you have classic COVID-19 symptoms and a known exposure, your TeleDirectMD physician can still evaluate you and may recommend testing and isolation guidance. A confirmed positive result is usually needed before prescribing antiviral treatment.
When is COVID-19 serious enough for urgent in-person or ER care?
You should seek urgent in-person or emergency care if you have shortness of breath at rest, rapid breathing, bluish lips or face, chest pain, new confusion, inability to stay awake, very low oxygen saturation at home, or signs of severe dehydration. These may indicate pneumonia or other complications that require in-person evaluation and possible hospitalization.
Can you prescribe Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir-ritonavir) during the Florida video visit?
Yes. If your TeleDirectMD physician determines that you meet criteria for outpatient antiviral therapy, have mild to moderate COVID-19, are within the recommended time window, and have no contraindications after drug interaction and kidney function review, they can prescribe nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid) and send it electronically to a Florida pharmacy of your choice.
Who is considered higher-risk and more likely to benefit from antivirals?
Higher-risk groups include older adults, generally age 50 or older, and adults with underlying conditions such as chronic heart, lung, or kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, immunocompromise, and pregnancy. Your TeleDirectMD physician will review your specific risk factors and help decide whether antiviral treatment is recommended.
What if I take medications that might interact with Paxlovid?
Ritonavir can interact with many common medications. Before prescribing Paxlovid, your TeleDirectMD physician will review your current medication list, including over-the-counter and herbal products, and determine whether dose adjustments, temporary holds, or alternative approaches are needed. In some cases, Paxlovid may not be safe to use.
Do you prescribe antibiotics for COVID-19?
No. COVID-19 is caused by a virus, and antibiotics do not treat viral infections. TeleDirectMD may recommend in-person evaluation if a secondary bacterial infection such as pneumonia is suspected, but we do not prescribe antibiotics for uncomplicated COVID-19 alone.
How long will I be sick, and when can I go back to work or public activities?
Many adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 feel significantly ill for several days, with fatigue and cough sometimes lasting 1 to 3 weeks. In general, you should follow current public health guidance on isolation and masking and wait until fever has resolved without fever reducers and symptoms are improving before returning to work or public spaces. Your TeleDirectMD physician can provide tailored guidance during your visit.
Can you provide a work note for a COVID-19 illness?
Yes. TeleDirectMD can usually provide a brief note confirming evaluation for COVID-19 and recommending a short period away from work or in-person activities. We do not complete FMLA, disability, or long-term workplace accommodation paperwork.
How much does an online COVID-19 visit cost with TeleDirectMD?
Each adult COVID-19 visit with TeleDirectMD is a $49 flat-fee MD-only video visit. We do not bill insurance, but you may be able to use health savings account or flexible spending account funds when allowed. Medication costs are separate and depend on the pharmacy and any coverage you may have.
What can I do to reduce my risk of COVID-19 complications in the future?
Staying up to date with recommended COVID-19 vaccinations, managing chronic conditions well, avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and seeking early evaluation if you become ill can all reduce your risk of severe disease. Your TeleDirectMD physician can review personalized prevention strategies based on your age, health history, and risk factors.