Governor urges residents with COVID symptoms to seek treatment quickly

Health officials in North Carolina are encouraging residents who contract COVID-19 to seek treatment quickly. 

According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, about two-thirds of North Carolinians are at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Governor Roy Cooper released a statement reminding residents that there are now highly effective and safe treatments available for COVID-19 that lessen the risk of hospitalization or death.

But he also stressed the importance of starting treatment early. Oral antiviral pills require a prescription and should be taken within five days of your first symptoms.

Monoclonal antibodies are delivered through injection or infusion and should be administered within seven days of initial symptoms.

State officials encourage anyone who is experiencing flu-like symptoms to talk to their health care provider or find a one-stop Test to Treat site, where you can get a test, receive a prescription, and have that prescription filled in one location.  

Officials note that being up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations offers the best protection against serious illness or death. New research shows this protects against long COVID as well.