There is no cure for COVID-19. The treatment available now remains supportive care, which includes antipyretics, supplemental oxygen, and potentially mechanical ventilation. Medications currently used in the treatment of COVID-19 are off-label, are a part of research study protocols, or have been released by the FDA for Emergency Use Authorization.

COVID-19 has manifested primarily as a significant respiratory infection that can rapidly deteriorate into a severe pneumonitis, requiring supplemental oxygen and potentially mechanical ventilation. The severity seems to primarily affect the elderly population, and those with underlying medical comorbidities. However, this virus has also affected otherwise young healthy individuals. Providers must be aware and monitor all patients for potential rapid deterioration and intervene as soon as possible.

The DoD developed the DoD COVID-19 Practice Management Guidelines to assist providers throughout the DoD with comprehensive care for treatment and management of COVID-19.

With the decreased availability of staff and resources in the austere setting, a supplement to the DoD PMG for COVID-19 contains a section for considerations in the austere environment, under the same link immediately above.