What medications can be taken for COVID-19?

In terms of specifics: acetaminophen (Tylenol), naproxen (Aleve) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help lower your fever, assuming you don’t have a health history that should prevent you from using them. It’s usually not necessary to lower a fever – an elevated temperature is meant to help your body fight off the virus.

Are there any FDA-approved drugs for COVID-19?

Yes, the FDA has approved Veklury (remdesivir) for certain COVID-19 patients.

What is the most important fact about over-the-counter medications used for COVID-19 symptoms?

The most important thing to know about using over-the-counter medications to treat COVID-19 is that none of these common drugstore products are actually going to treat the virus itself. But these medications can certainly make you feel a whole lot more comfortable when you’re sick.

Am I at risk for COVID-19 from taking FDA-approved drugs made outside the United States?

Currently, there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with imported goods, including food and drugs for humans and pets. There have not been any cases of COVID-19 in the United States associated with imported goods.

For which COVID-19 patients has been approved Remdesivir?

On October 22, 2020, the FDA approved the antiviral drug Veklury (remdesivir) for use in adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older and weighing at least 40 kg) for the treatment of COVID-19 requiring hospitalization.

Is the COVID-19 vaccine approved by the FDA?

On December 11, 2020, the FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. On December 18, 2020, the FDA issued an EUA for the use of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. And on February 27, 2021 the FDA issued an EUA for the use of the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine.

Can food products produced in the United States or other countries affected by COVID-19 transmit the disease?

There is no evidence to suggest that food produced in the United States or imported from countries affected by COVID-19 can transmit COVID-19.

Which groups of people are at increased risks of severe illness from COVID-19?

Among adults, the risk for severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, with older adults at highest risk. Severe illness means that the person with COVID-19 may require hospitalization, intensive care, or a ventilator to help them breathe, or they may even die. People of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are also at increased risk for severe illness from SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Who should not take the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine?

If you have had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient in the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (such as polyethylene glycol), you should not get this vaccine. If you had a severe allergic reaction after getting a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, you should not get another dose of an mRNA vaccine.

Can COVID-19 survive on food or packaging?

Like other viruses, it is possible that the virus that causes COVID-19 can survive on surfaces or objects. If you are concerned about contamination of food or food packaging, wash your hands after handling food packaging, after removing food from the packaging, before you prepare food for eating and before you eat.

Can I get COVID-19 from food?

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Currently there is no evidence of food, food containers, or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19. Like other viruses, it is possible that the virus that causes COVID-19 can survive on surfaces or objects.

If you are concerned about contamination of food or food packaging, wash your hands after handling food packaging, after removing food from the packaging, before you prepare food for eating and before you eat. Consumers can follow CDC guidelines on frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; and frequently clean and disinfect surfaces.

It is always important to follow the 4 key steps of food safety—clean, separate, cook, and chill.

Is food imported from countries and states affected by the coronavirus at risk of spreading it?

  • Currently, there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with imported goods and there are no reported cases of COVID-19 in the United States associated with imported goods.

Can I get COVID-19 from a food worker handling my food?

Currently, there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19.

Can you get the coronavirus disease from takeout food from a restaurant?

The virus is not transmitted through foods, it’s not a food-borne pathogen like the viruses and bacteria that cause what we often refer to as “food poisoning”. This means that uncooked or cold foods, like salad or sushi, do not pose any additional risk of coronavirus exposure.

What are the risks of food from takeout or drive-thru food?

  • There is no current indication that takeout or drive-thru meals will increase illness.
  • This option is a good risk management choice, especially for high risk and elderly groups because it reduces the number of touch points.

Is take-away food safe during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Currently there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with the transmission of the coronavirus.

What are the risks of food delivered to homes?

  • Similar to takeout, food delivery reduces the amount of touch points associated with dining in a restaurant.
  • Many delivery programs have instituted no touch/no interaction options, which greatly minimize risk.

How do I handle self-service food buffets such as salad bars in a retail setting related to COVID-19?

In communities with sustained transmission of COVID-19, state and local health authorities have implemented social-distancing measures which discourage or prohibit dining in congregate settings. We also recommend discontinuing self-service buffets and salad bars until these measures are lifted.

Will microwaving my takeout protect me from COVID-19?

According to the CDC, microwaves have been proven to kill bacteria and viruses when zapping the food from 60 seconds to five minutes. But not all microwaves emit the same power and cook in the same way.

What are food handling guidelines for consumers during the coronavirus outbreak?

Consumers can follow CDC guidelines on frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; and frequently clean and disinfect surfaces. It is critical to follow the 4 key steps of food safety—clean, separate, cook, and chill.

How should food retail businesses clean during the COVID-19 pandemic?

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To disinfect, use products that meet EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2external, diluted household bleach solutions prepared according to the manufacturer’s label for disinfection, or alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and are appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer’s directions for use.

Clean frequently touched shelving, displays, and reach-in refrigerator units nightly when closed to the public. Conduct frequent cleaning of employee break rooms, rest areas, and other common areas. Clean grocery carts and baskets. Require employees to clean out lockers nightly to facilitate overnight deep cleaning pr

Is it safe to eat from salad bars during the coronavirus outbreak?

In communities with sustained transmission of COVID-19, state and local health authorities have implemented social-distancing measures which discourage or prohibit dining in congregate settings. We also recommend discontinuing self-service buffets and salad bars until these measures are lifted.

Where should the food industry go for guidance about business operations during COVID-19?

Food facilities, like other work establishments, need to follow protocols set by local and state health departments, which may vary depending on the amount of community spread of COVID-19 in a particular area. We encourage coordination with localExternal Link Disclaimer health officials for all businesses so that timely and accurate information can guide appropriate responses in each location where they have operations. Also see the CDC’s What Grocery and Food Retail Workers Need to Know about COVID-19.

Should food facilities perform any special cleaning or sanitation procedures for COVID-19?

CDC recommends routine cleaning of all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, countertops, and doorknobs. Use the cleaning agents that are usually used in these areas and follow the directions on the label.