Adult COVID-19 Treatment in Georgia
MD-only online COVID-19 evaluation for adults in Georgia with guideline-based care, testing and isolation guidance, and antiviral prescribing when appropriate. $49 flat-fee video visit, no insurance required.
COVID-19 is viral (SARS-CoV-2). Antibiotics do not treat COVID-19. Antivirals such as Paxlovid work best when started early, typically within 5 days of symptom onset, and require careful medication interaction and kidney screening.
- Assessment for COVID-19 vs influenza vs common cold
- Testing guidance and isolation recommendations
- Paxlovid eligibility screening when appropriate
- Adults only (18+)
What Is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a viral respiratory illness caused by SARS-CoV-2. Symptoms range from mild cold-like illness to more severe disease, especially in higher-risk adults. Common symptoms include fever, sore throat, congestion, cough, fatigue, headache, and muscle aches. Some adults also develop shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or gastrointestinal symptoms.
TeleDirectMD provides adult-only, MD-only online COVID-19 care in Georgia focused on safety screening, guidance on testing and isolation, symptom control, and antiviral eligibility evaluation when appropriate.
COVID-19 Symptoms and Red Flags
COVID-19 can overlap with influenza and other viral illnesses. Your TeleDirectMD physician evaluates timing, symptom pattern, risk factors, and any available testing, with a strong focus on red-flag screening.
| Symptom or pattern | What it suggests | Telehealth appropriate? | Red flag requiring urgent in-person or ER care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fever, sore throat, congestion, cough, fatigue | Common COVID-19 pattern, also overlaps with influenza | Often yes if stable | Trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, blue lips or face |
| Shortness of breath at rest or with minimal activity | Possible lower respiratory involvement or pneumonia | Often no | Severe shortness of breath, oxygen concerns, rapid worsening |
| Persistent high fever or fever returning after improvement | Possible complication or secondary infection | Sometimes | Worsening chest pain, dehydration, severe weakness |
| Severe sore throat with inability to swallow | May be viral, also consider other causes | Sometimes | Drooling, airway concerns, dehydration |
| Vomiting, diarrhea, poor oral intake | COVID-19 can cause GI symptoms and dehydration risk | Sometimes | Unable to keep fluids down, fainting, minimal urination |
| High-risk adult with early symptoms | Higher risk of severe disease, consider antivirals | Often yes for early evaluation | Rapid progression, worsening breathing, chest pain, confusion |
Conditions That Can Mimic COVID-19
Several respiratory illnesses look similar. Your TeleDirectMD physician uses symptom timing, exposures, and testing history to guide the most likely diagnosis and safest plan.
Influenza
Often more abrupt onset with prominent body aches and fever. Testing can help differentiate.
Common Cold
Often milder, more gradual, and typically without significant fever or severe fatigue.
Acute Bronchitis
Viral cough illness. Shortness of breath or chest pain should prompt in-person evaluation.
Pneumonia
Can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, low oxygen, and persistent fever, often needs in-person assessment.
Sinus Infection
Facial pressure and localized symptoms may predominate. COVID-19 is more systemic for many patients.
Asthma or COPD Flare
Viral infections can trigger wheeze. Significant breathing symptoms require urgent evaluation.
When COVID-19 Can Be Managed Through Telehealth
TeleDirectMD is best for adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms who are stable, able to hydrate, and do not have red-flag symptoms.
When a Video Visit Is Appropriate
- Adult 18+ with fever, sore throat, congestion, cough, or fatigue without severe breathing symptoms.
- Symptoms started within 5 days if considering antivirals.
- Able to drink fluids and urinate regularly.
- No chest pain, confusion, fainting, or blue lips.
- Physically located in Georgia at the time of the visit.
Red Flags Requiring In-Person or ER Care
- Trouble breathing, chest pain, oxygen concerns, or rapidly worsening symptoms.
- Confusion, fainting, severe weakness, or inability to stay awake.
- Unable to keep fluids down, dizziness, or signs of dehydration.
- Blue lips or face, severe wheezing, or severe cough with distress.
- High-risk adults with rapid progression or severe symptoms.
How TeleDirectMD Treats COVID-19 in Adults
COVID-19 treatment focuses on symptom relief, hydration, monitoring for deterioration, and antivirals for eligible higher-risk adults. Antivirals are time-sensitive and require safety screening.
Supportive Care
- Hydration, rest, and pacing activity.
- Humidified air, warm fluids, and honey for cough when appropriate.
- Saline nasal spray for congestion.
Fever, Aches, and Sore Throat
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen when safe for you.
- Avoid duplicate acetaminophen products.
- Consider kidney disease, ulcer risk, pregnancy, or blood thinners before NSAID use.
Antivirals When Appropriate
- Paxlovid may be appropriate for eligible higher-risk adults within 5 days of symptom onset.
- Medication interactions must be reviewed carefully.
- Kidney function affects dosing and eligibility.
Medication Table for Adult COVID-19
These are common adult regimens used for COVID-19 symptom control and antiviral treatment when appropriate. TeleDirectMD individualizes recommendations based on timing, risk factors, kidney function, and medication interactions.
| Medication | Dose | Duration | When used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) | 300 mg/100 mg by mouth 2 times daily if eGFR ≥60; 150 mg/100 mg by mouth 2 times daily if eGFR 30 to 59 | 5 days | Eligible higher-risk adults with mild to moderate COVID-19, typically within 5 days of symptom onset, after medication interaction and kidney screening. |
| Molnupiravir | 800 mg by mouth 2 times daily | 5 days | Alternative antiviral for eligible adults when other options are not appropriate, with pregnancy precautions. |
| Acetaminophen | 650 mg by mouth every 6 hours as needed | As needed | Fever, headache, or body aches when safe for the patient. |
| Ibuprofen | 400 mg by mouth every 6 to 8 hours as needed with food | As needed | Fever or body aches when safe for the patient. |
| Benzonatate | 100 mg by mouth 3 times daily as needed | Up to 7 days | Adult cough relief when clinically appropriate. |
TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances for COVID-19 visits. If severe symptoms develop, urgent in-person evaluation is required.
Home Care and Return to Work
Most adults recover at home with supportive care. Fatigue can last beyond the initial illness. Your TeleDirectMD physician can give practical guidance about isolation and return-to-work timing based on symptoms and current public health recommendations.
Home Care Checklist
- Hydrate regularly and monitor urination.
- Use fever reducers as directed when safe.
- Consider saline, humidified air, and honey for cough when appropriate.
- Rest and avoid strenuous activity until improving.
When to Recheck
- Worsening cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
- Persistent high fever or fever returning after improvement.
- Severe weakness, dizziness, or dehydration symptoms.
- New symptoms that raise concern for complications.
TeleDirectMD can provide a brief work note when medically appropriate as part of your visit.
TeleDirectMD COVID-19 Care: What to Expect
TeleDirectMD provides MD-only virtual urgent care for adults for $49 flat-fee video visits in 25+ states. Your physician reviews symptoms, timing, risk factors, and any testing, then focuses on safety screening, supportive care, isolation guidance, and antiviral eligibility when appropriate. No controlled substances are prescribed.