Advances in the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, clinical management and prevention of coronavirus disease 2019

Abstract

Purpose of review: The current article reviews the latest information on the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostics, clinical management and prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Recent findings: Atypical pneumonia due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 emerged in December 2019 in a market in Wuhan, China and rapidly evolved into a pandemic in March 2020. Viral loads of patients with COVID-19 peak in the first week of illness around day 2-4 and hence there is very high-transmission potential causing community outbreaks. Asymptomatic and presymptomatic transmission is a hallmark of COVID-19. Several variants of concern (VOC) have emerged over the last 2 years and Omicron is the predominant variant in many countries. PCR is the standard diagnostic test while rapid antigen test is a useful supplementary test. Serology tests provide indirect evidence of infection 1 -2 weeks after the onset of symptoms. Molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir are oral antiviral agents that may reduce the risk of hospitalization and deaths if administered early to high-risk subjects. Remdesivir, baricitinib, anti-IL-6 tocilizumab and dexamethasone are frequently used for treatment of patients with respiratory failure.

Summary: COVID-19 pandemic progresses relentlessly with substantial morbidity and mortality especially in unvaccinated subjects. Mass COVID-19 vaccinations are the most important measure for control of the COVID-19 pandemic.