Treatments
Several types of treatments for the initial COVID-19 infection have been developed. Examples include drugs that reduce or stop the virus from multiplying in human cells and drugs that treat the symptoms of COVID-19.
Health Canada has authorized several COVID-19 treatments. These treatments are available for provinces and territories to use in their health care systems. Each province and territory determines the appropriate administration of these drugs based on their needs.
Anti-viral Medications
Antiviral medications help your body fight off viruses that cause disease. They can reduce the symptoms of your viral infection and shorten the length of your illness. In most cases, viruses clear up without these drugs. Antiviral medications may be used in early treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 illness in unvaccinated and certain vaccinated patients who are at high risk for progression to severe illness that may require hospitalization.
Medications Available in Saskatchewan
Antiviral treatments Paxlovid™ and Remdesivir help reduce the viral load of COVID-19 virus in the body.
Evusheld™ is a drug that was made to help prevent you from getting sick from COVID-19. It is a monoclonal antibody drug. Monoclonal antibodies attach themselves to the COVID-19 virus and stop it from entering the cells in your body.
Other Helpful Resources
- Government of Saskatchewan – COVID-19 Treatments
- Health Canada – COVID-19 Treatments
- Dr. Satchan Takaya – COVID-19 Treatments (Webinar)
Long COVID Diagnosis and Treatment
If you think you have long COVID, talk to your health care provider about how to manage your symptoms and if any testing is needed.
Lung Saskatchewan has a number of great resources to help those suffering from symptoms of long COVID. To find out more about what you can do to self-manage your long COVID symptoms, here are some helpful resources. Also available for download:
- Managing Fatigue from Long COVID
- Managing Breathlessness from Long COVID
- Managing Brain Fog from Long COVID
- Long COVID Movement and Exercise
- Long COVID Symptom Diary
- Downloadable PDF available - English
- Exercise for Lung Health
- Downloadable PDF available - English
- Eating Well for Lung Health
- Downloadable PDF available - English
- Mental Health
- Downloadable PDF available - English
Other Helpful Resources and Support