COVID treatment available online

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, consult with one of our board-certified doctors online today to order at-home testing or prescribe medications to treat COVID-19. Our top rated doctors can evaluate symptoms and prescribe antiviral medications to reduce the risk of your COVID infection progressing to severe illness.*

Book an appointment

Same-day appointments to evaluate COVID symptoms

Access to at-home COVID testing

COVID Pills available online*

*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. You may qualify for antiviral therapy if you are: within 5 days of experiencing mild to moderate COVID symptoms, confirmed to be COVID-19 positive via PCR or rapid antigen test, and felt to be at high risk of complications from COVID-19 infection. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and our prescription discount card.

COVID treatment services

COVID-19 has changed over time. These changes, or mutations, are referred to as variants since they vary from the original virus. COVID-19 variants identified as being monitored by the World Health Organization include the Omicron (including the newly emerging XBB.1.5 variant), Delta, Gamma, Beta, and Alpha strains.

With access to PlushCare's COVID treatment online, you can meet with a top board-certified doctor via an online consultation. Our doctors can order COVID testing, diagnose you, and prescribe the appropriate COVID medication.

Our treatment options and offerings include:

  • COVID testing

    The different types of testing that can be done for COVID-19 include diagnostic tests and antibody tests. Diagnostic tests include RT-PCR tests and antigen tests.

    The difference between a COVID-19 diagnostic test and antibody test is that a diagnostic test is performed to determine if a person currently tests positive or negative for COVID-19, while an antibody test is used to find out if a person had a COVID-19 infection in the past.

    While a COVID-19 diagnostic test is for people who may be experiencing potential symptoms, an antibody test is for people whose symptoms have subsided for at least 10 days. A doctor’s order may be required for an antibody test, which requires blood to be taken.

    Diagnostic tests typically require a nasal swab, throat swab, or saliva sample. Tests can either be performed in a medical setting, or via COVID-19 at-home test kit. While PCR tests are typically considered more reliable than antigen tests, any individual test may or may not be accurate; additional testing may be required in order to verify results.

  • How to get a COVID-19 antibody test

    A COVID-19 antibody test, also known as a serology test, is a blood test performed by a healthcare provider to determine if you have antibodies for the coronavirus. Antibodies are proteins that your body produces as a response to infections and viruses. If the test results show that you have COVID-19 antibodies, then this means that you likely had a previous COVID-19 infection. Note that an antibody test is not for people who currently have symptoms.

    You can get COVID-19 antibody testing by visiting a lab center, where the blood test will be performed. Note that a physician’s order or referral may be required beforeCOVID-19 serology/antibody testing can be performed. One of our board-certified doctors may be able to provide you with a testing order for a COVID-19 antibody test following an evaluation online.

    Learn more about COVID antibody testing
  • How to get an at-home COVID test

    An at-home COVID-19 test can be ordered if you think you may be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or have potentially been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

    You can order an at-home COVID test that will be delivered to your home address.

    Here is an overview of how to get an at-home COVID test at PlushCare:

    1. First, book an online appointment with one of our physicians to request your test kit. The kit will be overnight shipped through FedEx if it is ordered before 11 am PST on business days.

    2. Once your at-home COVID-19 test kit arrives in the mail, follow the instructions included to collect your sample. Then, mail the sample back to our partner lab, Labcorp.

    3. Then, check your online patient portal for your test results within 2 to 3 business days. Turnaround times will depend on how quickly your test sample arrives at the lab.

    4. If you test positive, your doctor will follow up with a care plan and next steps.


    The COVID-19 at-home test is authorized by the FDA, and is available in all 50 states. The LabCorp COVID-19 RT-PCR test is as accurate as a test you would receive at a doctor’s office or hospital, or 92-100% accurate, according to the Emergency Use Authorization Summary.

    Insurance coverage of an at-home COVID-19 test kit will depend on your specific insurance plan. Please contact your insurer for more information about coverage.

    Learn more about at-home COVID testing
  • COVID vaccine

    The three COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States are the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, Moderna vaccine, and Johson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are FDA approved, after they previously received an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

    The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are mRNA vaccines, while the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is an adenovirus vaccine. The CDC has updated its recommendations with a preference for individuals to receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine over the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

    Possible COVID-19 vaccine side effects may include:

    • Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site

    • Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit

    • Joint or muscle pain

    • Headache

    • Tiredness

    • Nausea and vomiting

    • Fever and chills


    Side effects after vaccination should go away in a few days. Some people experience no side effects. The coronavirus vaccines are safe, and allergic reactions are rare. Everyone who receives a COVID-19 vaccine is monitored for 15 minutes by medical personnel after the vaccine is administered.

    A COVID-19 vaccine card is provided to all vaccine recipients, which serves as a record to keep track of vaccination information.

  • COVID-19 Booster

    A COVID-19 booster shot is an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to boost immunity. COVID-19 booster shots are given to eligible people who have completed the initial COVID-19 vaccination series, in order to reinvigorate the immune system and increase circulating antibodies. 

    If you have questions about booster shots, you can book an appointment with a doctor online to discuss if a booster shot is appropriate. These recommendations are changing regularly as more information becomes available; always check the CDC website prior to scheduling your booster shot for indications and requirements.

  • COVID medication

    COVID-19 medications include Pfizer’s Paxlovid and Merck’s Molnupiravir, which have both received an emergency use authorization (EUA) from the FDA. COVID-19 medication can help prevent severe illness in high-risk patients to help keep them out of the hospital.

    Also informally known as COVID-19 pill, these antiviral medications are for people who have recently experienced mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms and are considered part of high-risk groups. These pills can reduce the risk of the illness progressing to severe disease.

    • The Pfizer COVID medication, Paxlovid, is taken twice daily for 5 days, within 5 days of onset of COVID symptoms. Three pills are taken twice daily for a total of 5 days. Each carton contains 30 tablets divided in 5 daily-dose blister cards.

    • The Merck COVID pill, Molnupiravir, can be taken at home after a patient experiences mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19.


    The COVID-19 pill works by disrupting the function of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The Pfizer COVID-19 pill works by blocking a step in the SARS-CoV-2 replication process, preventing viral RNA from replicating. The Merck COVID-19 pill creates mutations in the coronavirus’s genetic code while it replicates; eventually, the coronavirus will have too many mutations to function, causing the virus to die.

    Side effects of the COVID-19 pill depend on the specific medication. The Pfizer COVID-19 pill has a significant number of drug interactions between it and other common medications. Tell a physician about your medical history and all current medications you are taking if being considered for a prescription for either of the COVID pills.

    Current supply of the COVID-19 pills is limited, and pharmacies may not currently have COVID-19 medications in stock.

    Learn more about COVID medications

COVID symptoms

  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 symptoms may include:

    • Fever or chills

    • Cough

    • Shortness of breath

    • Muscle or body aches

    • Fatigue

    • New loss of taste and smell

    • Headache

    • Sore throat

    • Congestion or runny nose

    • Nausea

    • Vomiting

    • Diarrhea

    This does not include all possible symptoms. COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to severe. If someone experiences any of the emergency warning signs of COVID-19, they should get emergency medication attention immediately. These serious symptoms may include: difficulty breathing, chest pain, inability to wake or stay awake, chest pain, or pale, gray, or blue-colored skin or lips.

    It is important to note that COVID has some of the same symptoms as the flu, common cold, and sinusitis. The only way to confirm a COVID-19 diagnosis is by taking a COVID-19 test.

  • COVID in children

    COVID-19 can affect people of all age groups, including children. Children are also at risk of contracting mild to severe COVID-19 illness. While COVID-19 symptoms in children typically appear in a milder and more cold-like form than in adults, there is still a potential for long-term COVID effects in children.

  • Long-term effects of COVID-19

    Some people may experience long COVID, also called long-haul COVID, which means having COVID-19 symptoms or related health problems for weeks or months after initially recovering from a COVID illness. The long-term effects of COVID-19 can vary, and are still being studied in clinical trials in order to better understand them.

    Possible long-term effects or symptoms after initially recovering from the coronavirus disease may include:

    • Fatigue

    • Cough

    • Shortness of breath

    • Joint pain

    • Chest pain

    • Difficulty concentrating

    • Rapid heartbeat

    • Headaches

    • Depression or anxiety 

    • Loss of taste or smell

    • Intermittent fever


    Mental health struggles after moderate and severe cases of COVID-19 can be especially challenging for patients who were hospitalized.

    A rare yet serious COVID complication which may affect people, primarily children, is multisystem inflammatory syndrome. This causes in different areas of the body and may potentially lead to severe heart damage, requiring special care from a pediatric cardiologist.

    Some larger hospital systems have developed special clinics to support people recovering from long-haul COVID.

    While complications of COVID-19 are still being investigated, health care providers can help to treat long-term COVID effects by examining each specific symptom. Treatments that may be able to help with ongoing care and recovery include breathing exercises, medications, and physical therapy.

COVID treatment FAQs

  • When should I start treatment for COVID-19?

    Contact a doctor immediately if you have serious COVID-19 symptoms. COVID-19 medication can only be started in the first few days as soon as symptoms begin. If you test positive for COVID-19, speak with one of our board-certified doctors online as soon as possible to see if you qualify for prescription COVID medication.

  • What are some easy ways to protect myself from COVID-19?

    Washing your hands is an important way to protect yourself from becoming ill. To effectively wash your hands, use soap and water for at least 20 seconds. You should wash your hands after coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose, using the restroom, and before and after you eat or prepare food.

    If you do not have access to soap and water, you can use hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol.

  • Can I get tested for coronavirus at home?

    You can get diagnostic coronavirus testing at home. Meet with a PlushCare doctor online to request your COVID-19 at-home testing kit. Following your appointment, your testing kit will be overnighted to your home. Follow the instructions to collect your sample and return it to our partner lab. Your COVID-19 test results will be available in as little as 48 hours. Getting tested at home reduces the spread of COVID-19 and is recommended over going to get testing at an urgent care center.

  • What is the turnaround time for the COVID-19 at-home test?

    Test results will be returned to you within 2-3 business days depending on how fast your sample arrives at the lab. If your results have not arrived within that time frame, please call us at 1-888-875-3969, email us at [email protected], or message our team using the in-app messenger.

  • How accurate is the COVID-19 at-home test?

    The Labcorp COVID-19 RT-PCR test is just as accurate as a test you would receive at a doctor’s office or hospital, 92-100% accurate, according to the Emergency Use Authorization Summary (EAU). If you have any other questions about accuracy, please book an appointment with one of our PlushCare doctors or reach out to our Care team.

  • How much does it cost to get the testing done?

    Uninsured: Out of pocket appointment cost + $125 for the test

    Insured, out of network with PlushCare: Out of pocket appointment cost + testing covered through health insurance (please check with your insurance to see if it is covered)

    Insured, in-network with PlushCare: Copay + testing covered through insurance (please check with your insurance to see if it is covered)

  • Should I get the COVID-19 antibody test?

    If you experienced COVID-19 symptoms more than 10 days ago, you are eligible for COVID-19 antibody testing. The test will determine if you were exposed to COVID-19 and may indicate immunity.

  • What if my COVID-19 antibody test result is positive?

    A positive test means you have had the virus in the past, at least two weeks prior to the test and that your body has antibodies to the virus. A recent study showed that having antibodies does protect you against infection. That said, we still don’t know how long the antibodies last in your system.

  • How long does it take to recover from COVID-19?

    Recovery time from COVID-19 will vary greatly. It typically takes two weeks for mild cases, but for more critical cases, it could take up to six weeks. New data is showing that recovery varies from person to person, and depends on factors like age and overall health. 

    There are also cases of COVID that can last months. This is sometimes called long haul COVID, or long COVID-19. Patients known as “long haulers” can continue having COVID symptoms for months after first getting COVID. This can happen to anyone, no matter their age, health, or severity of symptoms.

  • What is contact tracing?

    Contract tracing is a process that notifies people who may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. This allows people to check to see if they have any COVID-19 symptoms, get tested for COVID-19, and isolate or quarantine themselves if necessary.

  • Can PlushCare help with the Coronavirus?

    Short answer: Yes!

    According to the CDC, it is highly recommended that you call your doctor before you head over to the office. That's where PlushCare steps in! If you don't have a doctor or your doctor is busy, book an appointment with any of our top physicians and they will be able to answer any questions you have about the virus.

    Our doctors are able to prescribe Paxlovid if you qualify.

    Want to talk to an online doctor about coronavirus prevention, testing, symptom management and more? Book an online information/screening session.

    If you have any further questions please feel give us a call at (800) 221-5140 or email us at [email protected].

COVID treatment ratings and reviews

Our high-quality medical team has treated over 550,000 patients.

3 simple steps to get COVID treatment today

Step 1

Book a COVID treatment appointment with a doctor online.

Book a same day appointment from anywhere.

Step 2

Talk to your doctor about COVID symptoms.

Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer. Our doctors can order at-home testing to verify your condition.

Step 3

Pick up a prescription for COVID treatment, if you qualify.

Please note that you will need a positive COVID test. We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

COVID treatment pricing details

How pricing works

To request COVID treatment and get a new or refill on a prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.

Paying with insurance

Membership

$16.99/month

First month free

Visits

Copay

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week

  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team

  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%

  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests

  • Free memberships for your family

  • Cancel anytime

Visit price with insurance

Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!

  • We accept these insurance plans and many more:

    • Humana
    • Aetna
    • United Healthcare

Paying without insurance

Membership

$16.99/month

First month free

Visits

$129

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week

  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team

  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%

  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests

  • Free memberships for your family

  • Cancel anytime

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.

Book an appointment

If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.

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PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.