Treatment for COVID-19
Vaccination and vaccine boosters continue to be the most effective ways to protect yourself from serious COVID-19 illness, hospitalization and death. You can schedule a vaccine appointment at one of Wake County’s vaccine/booster sites.
While there is no cure for COVID-19, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the emergency use of several outpatient treatments specifically for people who have a high risk of severe illness and the need for hospitalization. Paxlovid oral therapy (pill) is the first-line treatment for COVID-19 in patients at high risk for serious illness. WakeMed is a state-designated site for this treatment. WakeMed does not administer monoclonal antibody treatment at this time. A physician prescription is required for Paxlovid. NOTE: Please read the fact sheet for Paxlovid for important information about drug interactions, advice for women in their childbearing years and other details.
Who is considered high-risk for severe illness or hospitalization?
People who have the following risk factors:
- At least 65 years old
- Obesity or being clinically overweight based on CDC clinical growth charts
- Pregnancy
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Have a condition or are receiving treatment that weakens or suppresses the immune system
- Heart or circulatory conditions -- heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, and possibly high blood pressure
- Chronic lung diseases -- COPD, moderate to severe asthma, cystic fibrosis
- Sickle cell disease
- Neurodevelopmental disorders such as cerebral palsy
- Cancer or treatment for cancer
- Immunocompromised due to HIV
You can discuss your risk factors with your provider, but, if you do not have any of the above risk factors, you are not eligible for treatment. Rest, drinking plenty of fluids and over-the-counter, fever-reducing medicines (ex. Tylenol) are recommended.
If you recently tested positive for COVID-19, AND have symptoms of COVID-19, you may qualify for treatment
- Contact your health care provider. You will need a prescription to obtain treatment. In addition, Paxlovid has significant drug-to-drug interactions. Your doctor will need to review your health history to determine if COVID-19 treatment is right for you.
- What day did your symptoms begin? The day your symptoms began is your DAY 0.
- How many days have passed since your symptoms began? This will help determine the treatment(s) that you qualify for.
- You are not eligible for treatment if your symptoms began 10 days or more ago.
- If your symptoms began less than 5 days ago, you may be eligible for Paxlovid treatment.
If we cannot begin your treatment within the required timeframe, then you are not eligible for treatment.
Provide verbal consent for treatment. You will need to verbally agree to receive treatment. This consent will be documented in your medical record.
Instructions for Picking up Oral Medications
If you have been prescribed the oral medication Paxlovid, your prescription will need to be picked up at the WakeMed Outpatient Pharmacy. Please have a COVID-negative person pick up your prescription. They can park in the P1 parking deck. Once parked they should go to the third level of the deck and walk over the sky bridge to reach the hospital.
WakeMed Outpatient Pharmacy
3000 New Bern Avenue (located inside the hospital)
Raleigh, NC 27614
If you need to pick up your prescription, you will need to go to a different hospital entrance. Drive to the Patient Registration entrance, stay in your car and call 919-350-8196. A Pharmacy staff member will deliver your prescription to you while you are waiting in your car.
mAb Infusion Locations
Bebtelovimab infusion treatment can continue to use the NCDHHS website treatment locator. WakeMed does not administer monoclonal antibody treatment at this time.