For many people, COVID-19 is not over when the fever, cough, or fatigue eases. Older adults and people living with chronic medical conditions may experience health effects that persist well beyond the initial infection. COVID-19 can complicate existing health conditions or lead to new or persistent symptoms, making it harder to return to work, care for family, and resume daily life.
Research shows that COVID-19 can aggravate health problems people are already managing, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Infection may accelerate cardiovascular complications and make blood sugar more difficult to control during or after illness. COVID-19 infection may impact kidney function as well. Individuals with pre-existing conditions are also more likely to experience serious COVID-19 symptoms, which can persist and take a lasting toll on quality of life. This can be particularly challenging for residents of long-term care facilities and other care communities.
This should change how we think about prevention. Vaccination and testing matter, but they are not the end of the story. Once someone at higher risk develops symptoms, prompt treatment matters too. Antiviral medications, when started early, can reduce the severity of illness, help prevent serious complications, and support a faster recovery.
Early treatment may be especially important for those with complex medical needs. Studies have found that antivirals can decrease the incidence of post-COVID-19 conditions in extremely vulnerable patients and help prevent severe COVID-19 in high-risk groups, including kidney transplant recipients. Other research suggests that treatment can help people return to their usual health more quickly.
That is why timely, affordable access to care matters. People at higher risk need to be able to get diagnosed quickly and, when appropriate, begin treatment soon after symptoms appear. Early treatment can reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization and may also help reduce the risk of longer-term complications following COVID-19.
