- Published
- 20 October 2020
- Journal article
The increasing importance of the novel Coronavirus
- Authors
- Source
- Hospital Practice
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.
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Cite as
Mungroo, M., Khan, N. & Siddiqui, R. 2020, 'The increasing importance of the novel Coronavirus', Hospital Practice, 49(1), pp. 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1080/21548331.2020.1828888