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Get the facts about COVID-19

Understanding COVID-19 and how it spreads

COVID-19 stands for coronavirus disease 2019. COVID-19 is spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small particles released into the air (through coughing, sneezing, or talking, for example). These particles can infect other people by entering their mouths, noses, or eyes, which is more likely to happen during close contact.

Important information about COVID-19:

Icon of person sneezing in tissue.

What are the common symptoms?

Some people with COVID-19 feel mild symptoms or none at all, while others may get very sick and may need to go to the hospital. Symptoms generally appear within 2 to 14 days and may include:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Headache
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Muscle or body aches
  • New loss of taste and/or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Congestion or runny nose
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How to protect yourself and others

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

  • Wear a mask
  • Stay 6 feet away from others
  • Get a COVID-19 vaccine if you are 6 months and older
  • Get a COVID-19 vaccine plus booster(s) if you are 5 years and older
  • Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces
  • Wash your hands often and for at least 20 seconds
  • Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Clean and disinfect
  • Monitor your health daily

If you think you may have been in contact with someone with COVID-19, follow care instructions from your healthcare provider and local health department. Your local health authorities may give instructions on checking your symptoms and reporting information.

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When to seek emergency medical attention

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

This list does not contain all possible symptoms of COVID-19. Call your healthcare provider to discuss any questions or concerns about the severity of your symptoms.

Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility if you or a loved one is experiencing any of these emergency warning signs for COVID-19.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Who should not take VEKLURY?

Do not take VEKLURY if you:

  • Are allergic to remdesivir or any of the other ingredients in VEKLURY.

What are the possible side effects of VEKLURY?

Serious side effects of VEKLURY may include:

  • Allergic reactions. VEKLURY can cause allergic reactions during or after infusion. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms: changes to heart rate, rash, fever, nausea, sweating, shortness of breath, or wheezing, or swelling of the lips, face, or throat.
  • Increase in liver enzymes. Increases in the amount of liver enzymes are common in people who have received VEKLURY and may be a sign of liver injury. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check your liver enzymes before and during treatment and may stop your treatment with VEKLURY if you develop new or worsening liver problems.

The most common side effect in people receiving VEKLURY is nausea. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before receiving VEKLURY?

  • All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any allergies, liver problems, or any serious illnesses.
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding: It is not known if VEKLURY may harm your unborn baby if taken during the first trimester. VEKLURY can pass into your breast milk. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss your options and specific situation with your healthcare provider.
  • All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Other medicines may affect how VEKLURY works. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you are taking any medicines that contain chloroquine phosphate or hydroxychloroquine sulfate.

How is VEKLURY given?

  • Hospitalized: VEKLURY is given to you through a vein by intravenous (IV) infusion one time each day for up to 10 days. Your healthcare provider will decide how many doses you need.
  • Not hospitalized: VEKLURY is given to you through a vein by IV infusion one time each day for 3 days.

WHAT IS VEKLURY?

VEKLURY is a prescription medicine used to treat COVID-19 in adults and children weighing at least 3 pounds who are:

  • Hospitalized, or
  • Not hospitalized and have mild-to-moderate COVID-19, and are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death.

Talk to a healthcare provider to see if VEKLURY may be an option for you.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-10881-800-FDA-1088.

Please see Patient Prescribing Information for VEKLURY.