What are the Treatment Options When You Have COVID-19?
Most patients who test positive will not require hospitalization and can recover at home.
Patients who do need inpatient care will receive care in isolation once admitted to a hospital. Multiple areas within Baystate Health are prepared to provide safe treatment for COVID-19 and help prevent spread of the virus.
There are also outpatient treatment options. Current treatment options, based on clinical studies and Emergency Authorization Use or Expanded Access approvals from the FDA, include both IV and oral treatment options. At this time, the recommended treatment for mild to moderate COVID-19 is oral therapy/Paxlovid, which can be readily prescribed. Find out if you are eligible for Paxlovid.
Refer a Patient for Treatment
Outpatient COVID-19 Treatments
Baystate Health, in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, has established a COVID-19 Treatment Center to provide our communities in western Massachusetts the latest COVID-19 therapy. The goal is to deliver strategic, accessible and up-to-date treatment for mild-moderate COVID-19 following the FDA emergency use authorization guidelines and labeled indications of the available agents.
Oral Therapy
As part of the overall COVID-19 treatment distribution strategy, prescriptions can be provided to patients who quality for treatment with Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir with ritonavir). This oral antiviral therapy is now readily available with a prescription and continues to be the preferred treatment for mild to moderate COVID-19.
Infusion Therapy
Our COVID-19 Infusion Clinic, located at Baystate Noble Hospital in Westfield, provides Remdesivir (antiviral) for patients who meet eligibility criteria. The clinic is open 5 days a week and can treat up to 32 patients per day.
Health insurance is not a requirement to be treated. For questions, call 413-795-0566.
What to Do If You're Sick
Call Your Provider
Call your provider if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or possible exposure. Medical staff can help to make decisions about whether, when, and where you should be evaluated. This will avoid spreading the virus further to people in waiting rooms and other areas at these locations.
In a medical emergency, it is still important to call 9-1-1 and go to the emergency room.
Get Tested
If you have symptoms or exposure to COVID-19, you should get tested. Learn how and where to get tested.
When should you seek emergency medical attention?
According to the CDC, if you have any of these emergency warning signs* for COVID-19 you should get medical attention immediately:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Bluish lips or face
*This list does not include all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
How to Care for COVID-19 At Home