Dr. Fauci Says if You Have COVID, Do This

The COVID-19 pandemic, experts say, has entered a new phase: We must learn to live with it, while also doing everything we can to delay getting it. The super-contagious Omicron variant has pushed new daily case numbers to previously unthinkable levels—1.3 million, at last count. At the same time, Omicron seems to cause less severe disease: A new CDC study found that Omicron is 91% less likely to result in death than the Delta variant. But Omicron's prevalence makes it more likely that additional variants will develop and spread globally. What happens then is impossible to predict.

Some good news: In the coming weeks and months, new COVID treatments will be readily available, including a number of antiviral drugs. During this week's White House coronavirus task force briefing, Dr. Anthony Fauci walked through the upcoming medications that are intended to make COVID—at least as we know it right now—a less severe, more manageable illness. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.

Read on to see what Fauci said about COVID medications that are coming.

This antiviral drug produced by Pfizer—a five-day course of oral medication taken soon after symptoms appear—received an emergency use authorization (EUA) from the Food & Drug Administration late last year. Clinical trials found it caused an 89% reduction in COVID hospitalizations and deaths, said Fauci.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

This monoclonal antibody treatment—which is given intravenously—has been found to be effective against the Omicron variant, which has rendered several other monoclonals unhelpful. Studies have found it causes an 85% reduction in risk of severe COVID or death, Fauci said.

An antiviral drug produced by Merck, molnupiravir works by introducing errors into the COVID virus's genetic code, preventing it from replicating. It has been found to reduce the risk of hospitalization or death by 30%, Fauci said.

Production on these medications is currently being ramped up. For a time, they will be in short to scarce supply. So, who should get priority access to limited resources? "The highest priority, as always, should be given to patients with the highest risk of progression" of illness, said Fauci. In order, they are:

• Immunocompromised people who are unvaccinated and at high risk, meaning anyone older than 75, or anyone older than 65 who has a clinical risk factor
• Unvaccinated people at increased risk, meaning anyone older than 65 or younger than 65 with a clinical risk factor 
• Vaccinated people at high risk 
• Vaccinated people at increased risk   

Your best bet: Get fully vaccinated and receive a booster dose ASAP. If you develop COVID symptoms, call your doctor for advice. They'll prescribe treatment based on your individual risk factors, the medications that are available, and the latest information on their effectiveness.

Follow the fundamentals and help end this pandemic, no matter where you live—get vaccinated ASAP; if you live in an area with low vaccination rates, wear an N95 face mask, don't travel, social distance, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you're not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.