Antivirals are medicines that help stop a virus infecting healthy cells or multiplying in the body. Fortunately, we have antivirals that work against COVID-19. They work best when taken as soon as possible, usually within 5 days from when your symptoms start.
They come in either pill form to be taken by the mouth or can be given intravenously (directly into the bloodstream).
COVID-19 antivirals do not work against other viruses like the flu. They are only prescribed to eligible people who have tested positive to COVID-19 through a rapid antigen test (RAT) or PCR (nose and throat swab) test.