Treatment

Treatment for COVID-19

Treatment is available for COVID-19 to prevent severe illness in people who have symptoms and are at higher risk. To be effective, you need to begin treatment within days of your symptoms starting. Don't delay - get tested right away if treatment may be recommended for you, even if your symptoms are mild right now.

The treatment does not stop you from getting COVID-19.

COVID-19 treatment is not a substitute for vaccination. Getting vaccinated is your best defense against the virus.

After you receive COVID-19 treatment, continue following the public health recommendations for individuals with symptoms of a respiratory infection, including staying home and away from others until you feel well enough to return to regular activities. For more information on current public health guidance, visit: Province of Manitoba | Next Steps with Symptoms or Exposure.

If your symptoms get worse call Health Links - Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free) or your health-care provider.

Call 911 immediately if you experience severe symptoms of COVID-19, such as:

difficulty breathing
severe chest pain
feelings of confusion
loss of consciousness.

On this page:

Treatment for adults with COVID-19
Treatment for youth/children with COVID-19

For fact sheets and links please check the Resources for the Public

Treatment for adults with COVID-19

Adults may be recommended COVID-19 treatment if you:

have developed symptoms that began in the last 5 to 7 days,
have tested positive for COVID-19, and
are at higher risk of severe outcomes.

You may be considered at higher risk of severe outcomes if you:

are unvaccinated or have not received a vaccine dose within the past six months,
are an older adult - your risk increases with age,
have one or more chronic medical conditions,
are moderately to severely immunocompromised, due to a medical condition or treatment,
are obese, or
are pregnant.

Depending on your age and health status, you may still be considered at higher risk of developing severe outcomes even if you have received all of the COVID-19 vaccine doses that you are eligible for.

Some treatments might have side effects or interact with other medications you are taking. Your health care provider will determine if COVID-19 treatment is right for you. If you are hospitalized, your healthcare provider may use other types of treatments not listed on this page.

If you are 18 or older and meet one of these criteria, talk with your health care provider or call Health Links - Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free) to see if COVID-19 treatment is right for you.

If you have been prescribed Paxlovid by your health care provider, you can fill your prescription at no cost at any community pharmacy in Manitoba that stocks it. Please call your local pharmacy before visiting.

Treatment for youth/children with COVID-19

People younger than 18 may qualify for COVID-19 treatment if they have symptoms that began within the previous 5 to 7 days, have tested positive for COVID-19, and meet the criteria in one of these two categories.

Category 1

are immunocompromised due to a medical condition or treatment (regardless of whether you are vaccinated or previously infected with COVID-19)

Category 2

are unvaccinated or have not received a vaccine dose within the past six months; AND
have a serious health condition, which may include diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, lung disease or liver disease.

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