The use of effective antivirals for acute COVID-19 infections became available in 2022. Vaccination is the most important way of preventing severe infection, but there are many very important risk groups who have an increased risk of hospitalisation and death, even when fully vaccinated. There are established guidelines for antiviral use in acute COVID-19 infection in Australia. Because the two main antivirals used in general practice are very different, prescribers need to be very familiar with the indications for use, side-effects and contraindications.