Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Disease Summary

Overview

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory tract infection that caused, in recent years, a pandemic that have changed the lives of many people worldwide. The Introduction section defines this disease.

The Epidemiology section states the prevalence of COVID-19 globally and regionally. 

COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus and discussion of the variants, mode of transmission, incubation period and other details of this virus are in the Etiology and Pathophysiology sections. 

Conditions that increase the likelihood of transmitting COVID-19 are enumerated in the Risk Factors section.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)_Disease Summary

History and Physical Examination

In the Clinical Presentation section, the initial signs and symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever and cough are enumerated.

Diagnosis

Diagnostic testing involves detecting the virus itself (viral RNA or antigen) or detection of antibodies or other biomarkers. Several tests and imaging studies that can be done to diagnose COVID-19 are enumerated and discussed in the Laboratory Tests and Ancillaries section.

Several diseases mimic COVID-19’s presentation. Comparison of symptoms of other diseases and conditions have been itemized and differentiated in the Differential Diagnosis section. This can help in diagnosing COVID-19.

Management

Patients with COVID-19 disease should be classified to its severity and clinical stages that the patient is therein. These are described and differentiated in the Evaluation section. This section also discusses the different comorbidities that the patient can have during the infection and how it can affect the management of the infection.

The Principles of Therapy section states the goal of treatment based on the clinical stage of patients with COVID-19.

Isolation is an integral part of the management of COVID-19. The Nonpharmacological section has discussions on isolation recommendations as well as oxygenation and ventilation.

The Pharmacological therapy section enumerates and discusses in detail the different therapeutic options and recommendations for COVID-19. This includes antivirals, corticosteroids, disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, monoclonal antibodies, tumor necrosis factor inhibitor and anticoagulants.

The Prevention section tackles the different ways to prevent infection of COVID-19. It has discussions on hand hygiene, face mask use, social or physical distancing, proper ventilation, personal protective equipment and vaccines.

Untreated COVID-19 infection may cause different Complications, and this section enumerates them and discusses on their management.