The Department of Health (DOH) encourages New Mexicans to seek COVID-19 treatment options as soon as possible following the first symptoms of illness, to significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization. Most New Mexicans qualify for outpatient COVID-19 treatment options that can be taken at home, especially those at high-risk for severe COVID-19 disease. However, in the last two weeks, individuals have used less than 19% of the state’s oral treatment supply.
DOH urges those with risk factors for severe COVID-19 disease to seek testing and treatment at the first sign of even mild symptoms, as COVID-19 can be very serious for people with health conditions, and there is a limited window to start treatment.
If an individual seeking treatment does not have a medical provider, they can call NMDOH’s COVID-19 hotline at 1-855-600-3453.
Oral treatments:
- Paxlovid (age 12+)
- Molnupiravir (age 18+)
IV treatments:
- Remdesivir (7.8 lbs +)
- Sotrovimab (age 12+)
When to start:
- Oral treatments, within 5 days of onset of symptoms.
- IV treatments, within 7-10 days of onset of symptoms.
Risk factors for severe COVID-19 disease:
You should get tested if:
- You have symptoms of COVID-19: cough, fever, shortness of breath, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, and/or loss of taste or smell.
- You have been a close contact of someone who tested positive for COVID-19 (within 6 feet or less for more than 15 minutes).
- You are required to present a COVID-19 test to your employer, educational institution, or another entity.