Coloradans who test positive or think they have COVID-19 can use telehealth to access treatment options faster. COVID-19 treatment works best if you take it within a few days of feeling sick or testing positive. Telehealth can help speed up the process of accessing treatment, especially for Coloradans in rural areas or others who can’t access an in-person appointment fast enough.
Telehealth means connecting with a doctor over the phone or through a video call. Using telehealth, a doctor can assess you and, if appropriate, give you a treatment plan that meets your needs. Coloradans who have a health care provider can ask them if telehealth is an option for learning more about COVID-19 treatment. People who don’t have a provider, or whose provider doesn’t offer telehealth, may be able to access a telehealth provider directly. Many commercial insurance companies provide telehealth services for their members. People should contact their insurance company to learn if telehealth services are available through their plan. This could help avoid out-of-pocket costs.
Additionally, CDPHE has identified certain telehealth services that offer same-day or next-day appointments for Coloradans seeking treatment. Some of these services may accept private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid. Be sure to read through each company’s information carefully to determine if they accept your insurance, and double-check with them when making an appointment.
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine and practicing layered prevention (such as wearing a mask in public indoor settings, social distancing, staying home when sick, avoiding indoor crowds and frequently washing your hands) is the best way to avoid becoming seriously ill with COVID-19.
Many people who do become ill with COVID-19 will experience mild symptoms and can recover at home by following symptomatic treatment like getting plenty of rest and fluids and using Tylenol, Ibuprofen, decongestants, and other over-the-counter cold and flu medications to alleviate fever and symptoms. Since COVID-19 can become serious it is important to monitor symptoms carefully. Signs that you may need help from a medical professional include panting or difficulty breathing, difficulty keeping fluids down or urinating, high fever, rapid pulse, a pulse ox below 90, and/or elevated blood pressure. In a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
Those who are at high risk of developing severe illness should seek treatment right away after testing positive for COVID-19 (see below). Getting a vaccine and practicing layered prevention is best way to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. To learn more about COVID-19 treatments visit CDPHE's treatment page or ask your health care provider.
ATTENTION: THE FOLLOWING ARE NOT TREATMENTS FOR COVID-19 AND MAY ENDANGER YOUR HEALTH!
• Ivermectin: Ivermectin isn't a drug for treating viruses and the FDA has NOT approved this drug to treat or prevent COVID-19. Taking large doses of this drug can lead to serious harm. Please do not use drugs intended for animals.
• Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine: These malaria drugs were authorized for emergency used by the FDA during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the FDA withdrew that authorization when data analysis showed that the drugs are not effective for treating COVID-19. They can also cause serious heart problems.
