The increasing importance of the novel Coronavirus

Hosp Pract (1995). 2021 Feb;49(1):1-11. doi: 10.1080/21548331.2020.1828888. Epub 2020 Oct 20.

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) instigated by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has infected more`` than 20 million people, with more than more than 700000 deaths globally; and has been declared a pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 is recognized as the seventh coronavirus affecting Homo sapiens. The symptoms of COVID-19 consist of an elevated temperature, cough, diarrhea, and vomiting amongst others, whereas the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is believed to arise via release of respiratory secretions; through sneezing and coughing. COVID-19 is identified via X-ray or computed tomography scans and further corroborated with molecular diagnostics techniques, including polymerase chain reaction. At present there are no successful therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2; existing antiviral therapies have been utilized to hinder manifestation of respiratory difficulties by diminishing viral load. Herein, we depict an extensive update on the clinical aspects of COVID-19, including strategies for the regulation of the transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Keywords: 2019-nCoV; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; clinical aspects; coronavirus; diagnosis; pathogenesis; treatment.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / epidemiology*
  • COVID-19 / therapy*
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment*
  • COVID-19 Testing / statistics & numerical data*
  • COVID-19 Vaccines / therapeutic use
  • Global Health
  • Humans
  • Quarantine
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines