Online COVID-19 Treatment in Texas for Adults (SARS-CoV-2 Infection)
MD-only COVID-19 evaluation by secure video visit for adults in Texas, $49 flat-fee, no insurance required.
COVID-19 is a respiratory infection caused by SARS-CoV-2. Symptoms range from mild upper-respiratory illness to more severe shortness of breath. TeleDirectMD evaluates symptom severity, risk factors, and timing of illness, and can discuss supportive care and antiviral eligibility for adults located in Texas.
- $49 flat-fee visit
- MD-only evaluation and prescribing
- Guideline-based risk assessment for antivirals when eligible
- Clear safety screening for breathing and oxygen red flags
- Adults only, you must be in Texas at the time of the visit
Last reviewed by Parth Bhavsar, MD on 12/24/25.
Clinician note: Telehealth works well for mild to moderate COVID-19. If you have worsening shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, blue lips, or low oxygen readings, urgent in-person evaluation is recommended.
Common COVID-19 Symptoms
- Fever or chills
- Cough, sore throat, congestion
- Body aches, fatigue, headache
- Loss of taste or smell
If oxygen is low or breathing is difficult at rest, do not rely on telehealth. Seek urgent in-person care.
Quick Answers
- COVID-19 care depends on severity, risk factors, and the day of illness
- High-risk adults may be eligible for antiviral therapy early in the course
- Supportive care is appropriate for many mild cases
- Low oxygen, chest pain, confusion, or severe shortness of breath require urgent evaluation
- You must be physically located in Texas at the time of the visit
What Is COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 Infection)?
COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2. Most cases involve upper-respiratory symptoms, fatigue, and fever. Some people, especially those with higher-risk medical conditions, can develop lower-respiratory disease and low oxygen. TeleDirectMD focuses on a practical plan: confirm testing and timing, assess risk level, review medications and kidney function considerations when needed, and provide clear return precautions.
When antiviral therapy is appropriate, the window is early. Timing from symptom onset matters, and medication interactions can be significant with some antivirals.
COVID-19 Symptoms and Red Flags
Telehealth works best for mild to moderate symptoms without breathing distress. This table highlights when video care is appropriate and when urgent in-person evaluation may be safer.
| Finding | What it suggests | Telehealth appropriate? | Red flag requiring urgent in-person care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fever, cough, congestion, sore throat | Mild COVID-19 or other viral respiratory illness | Often yes | Severe shortness of breath at rest |
| Marked fatigue, body aches, headache | Systemic viral illness | Often yes | Confusion, fainting, inability to stay awake |
| Shortness of breath with exertion only | Possible moderate illness | Sometimes | Oxygen saturation less than 92% or rapidly worsening breathing |
| Chest tightness with cough | Airway irritation | Sometimes | Chest pain that is severe, new, or pressure-like with sweating |
| Persistent vomiting or dehydration | Risk for complications | Sometimes for triage | Inability to keep fluids down or signs of severe dehydration |
What Else Can Look Like COVID-19?
- Influenza: abrupt fever, body aches, fatigue, cough.
- Common cold: congestion and sore throat with milder systemic symptoms.
- Allergic rhinitis: itch, sneezing, clear drainage without fever.
- Pneumonia: focal chest pain, higher fever, worsening shortness of breath.
- Asthma flare: wheeze and chest tightness triggered by viral illness.
When a Texas Video Visit Is Appropriate vs. When to Go In-Person
When a Video Visit Is Appropriate
- Adult 18+ located in Texas at the time of the visit
- Mild to moderate symptoms without respiratory distress
- Able to hydrate and manage at home
- Positive COVID-19 test or strong suspicion based on exposure and symptoms
- Early in illness if discussing antiviral eligibility
Red Flags Requiring In-Person or ER Care
- Severe shortness of breath, blue lips, or trouble speaking full sentences
- Oxygen saturation less than 92% or rapidly worsening breathing
- Severe chest pain, confusion, fainting, or new severe weakness
- Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
- Concern for severe dehydration or severe illness
COVID-19 Treatment Options
Treatment depends on your risk level and day of illness. Many healthy adults recover with supportive care. Higher-risk adults early in illness may be eligible for antiviral therapy. TeleDirectMD evaluates medication interactions and kidney function considerations when needed before prescribing.
Supportive Care
- Rest, hydration, and fever control
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed for fever and body aches
- Honey, lozenges, and warm fluids for throat irritation when appropriate
- Saline spray, humidifier, and gentle decongestion for congestion
Medication Table
| Medication | Dose | Duration | When used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acetaminophen | 650 mg by mouth every 6 hours as needed | As needed | Fever and body aches support |
| Ibuprofen | 400 mg by mouth every 6 hours as needed | As needed | Fever and inflammation support when appropriate |
| Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir | 300 mg / 100 mg by mouth BID | 5 days | Eligible higher-risk adults within 5 days of symptom onset, after interaction and kidney review |
| Benzonatate | 100 mg by mouth TID as needed | 7 days | Cough support in appropriate adults |
| Ondansetron ODT | 4 mg by mouth every 8 hours as needed | As needed | Nausea support when appropriate |
TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances. Antiviral therapy is not appropriate for everyone. We screen for timing, kidney function considerations, and significant drug interactions before prescribing.
Home Care and What to Expect
Many people improve over several days, though fatigue and cough can last longer. If symptoms worsen after initial improvement, or breathing becomes difficult, seek urgent in-person evaluation.
- Use a home thermometer and consider a pulse oximeter if higher risk
- Hydrate consistently and aim for pale-yellow urine
- Avoid strenuous exercise while febrile or short of breath
- Follow up if you are not improving within 5 days to 7 days or symptoms worsen
What to Expect From Your TeleDirectMD COVID-19 Visit in Texas
TeleDirectMD provides adult-only, MD-only virtual care by secure video. Visits are $49 as a flat cash fee with no insurance required. If your case is appropriate for telehealth, prescriptions can be sent electronically to your preferred pharmacy in Texas.
Adults only. You must be physically located in Texas at the time of your visit.
Texas COVID-19 Telehealth FAQ
Can TeleDirectMD treat COVID-19 online in Texas?
Yes. TeleDirectMD provides MD-only video visits for adults in Texas and can evaluate symptoms, provide supportive care guidance, and prescribe eligible medications when appropriate.
When should I test for COVID-19?
Testing is reasonable when you have respiratory symptoms, fever, or a known exposure. Rapid antigen tests can be useful, and repeat testing may help if an early test is negative.
Who may be eligible for antiviral treatment?
Eligibility depends on risk factors for severe disease and timing from symptom onset. We review your medical history, current medications, and timing to determine if antivirals are appropriate.
Why do medication interactions matter with some antivirals?
Some antivirals can interact with common medications. TeleDirectMD reviews potential interactions and safety considerations before prescribing.
What home treatments help most?
Rest, hydration, fever control with acetaminophen or ibuprofen when appropriate, and symptom relief for cough or congestion are the mainstays for many mild cases.
When should I go to the ER for COVID-19?
Seek emergency care for severe shortness of breath, oxygen saturation less than 92%, blue lips, severe chest pain, confusion, fainting, or inability to stay awake.
Do you prescribe controlled substances for COVID-19 symptoms?
No. TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances.
Can you prescribe antibiotics for COVID-19?
Antibiotics do not treat COVID-19. They are only used when there is concern for a bacterial infection, which is not typical in uncomplicated COVID-19.
Can you provide a work note?
TeleDirectMD can usually provide a brief work note when medically appropriate as part of the $49 visit. We do not complete long-term disability, FMLA, or accommodation paperwork.
Is TeleDirectMD available across Texas?
Yes. As long as you are physically located in Texas at the time of the video visit, you can be evaluated.