Lung Diseases & Pulmonology

COVID-19 Treatment and Recovery

Many individuals, including those who live with chronic lung disease, are at high risk for severe illness if they get sick with COVID-19. In this case, your doctor may recommend you receive an investigational treatment, monoclonal antibodies, which can help your immune system fight off the virus, so you are less likely to get severely ill. If you have stayed home due to illness from confirmed or suspected COVID-19 you should follow the guidance of your healthcare provider and local health department on when to end home isolation. Multiple factors are taken into account in determining when it is safe for you to return to work or emerge from self-quarantine.

Remdesivir, an antiviral which has been shown to shorten the recovery time needed in some hospitalized patients.

Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid used to prevent or reduce inflammation in hospitalized patients with severe illness who need supplemental oxygen.

Tocilizumab or baricitinib, biological therapy used to reduce inflammation in hospitalized patients with severe illness requiring oxygen delivery through a high-flow device, invasive mechanical ventilation or ECMO, if used in addition to dexamethasone.