Viruses like COVID-19 and influenza, commonly known as flu, are around in our community.

People infected with the COVID-19 and influenza viruses can become really sick, with some people needing to go to hospital to receive medical care. However, if you’re at higher risk of severe illness, you may be eligible for antiviral medicines to treat COVID-19 or flu.

Antivirals are medicines that help stop a virus infecting healthy cells or multiplying in the body, which can help stop you from getting really sick and needing to go to hospital.

There are antiviral medicines for COVID-19 which work best when taken as soon as possible, usually within five days from when your symptoms start. If you have tested positive for COVID-19, it’s important to contact your doctor as soon as possible to determine if you are eligible to take antiviral medicines.

COVID-19 antivirals do not work against other viruses like the flu. There are different antiviral medicines for the flu, so if you have the flu it is important to talk to your doctor about the right treatment for you.

Don’t wait until you get sick. If you are at higher risk of severe illness, you should talk to your doctor now before you get sick to make a plan for what test you should do if you have cold or flu symptoms and what treatment you may need. Your doctor can fill out an antiviral pre-assessment form to help you know if you are eligible for antiviral medicines discuss which treatment is best for you to help you recover quickly. They may also give you a pathology form for a PCR test for you to use if you get any cold or flu symptoms.

Oral antiviral medicines are subsidised for people with a Medicare card. You can still access antiviral medicines if you do not have a Medicare card. The cost for treatment will vary depending on your circumstances.

Antivirals are not a substitute for vaccination. Remember, vaccination is still the best protection against COVID-19 and influenza.

For more information, visit nsw.gov.au or call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 and press Option 8 for interpreting services. This line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.