Rahul Mallick1, Asim K Duttaroy2. 1. Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland. 2. Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. a.k.duttaroy@medisin.uio.no.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-associated coronavirus pandemic has posed a global health emergency. METHODS: We focused on clinical features, diagnostic evaluation, management, infection prevention, and safe handling of deceased bodies with suspected and confirmed COVID-19. RESULTS: The case fatality rate is estimated at around 3%. Diagnosis is by the demonstration of the virus in respiratory secretions by RT-PCR mainly. Common laboratory findings include average/low white cell counts with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP). The disease is mild in most people; in some (usually the elderly and those with comorbidities), it may progress to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and multiple organ dysfunction syndromes (MODS). CONCLUSION: Treatment is primarily supportive; the role of antiviral agents is yet to be established. Prevention entails home isolation of suspected cases and those with mild illnesses and strict infection control measures at hospitals that include contact and droplet precautions.
INTRODUCTION: Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-associated coronavirus pandemic has posed a global health emergency. METHODS: We focused on clinical features, diagnostic evaluation, management, infection prevention, and safe handling of deceased bodies with suspected and confirmed COVID-19. RESULTS: The case fatality rate is estimated at around 3%. Diagnosis is by the demonstration of the virus in respiratory secretions by RT-PCR mainly. Common laboratory findings include average/low white cell counts with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP). The disease is mild in most people; in some (usually the elderly and those with comorbidities), it may progress to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and multiple organ dysfunction syndromes (MODS). CONCLUSION: Treatment is primarily supportive; the role of antiviral agents is yet to be established. Prevention entails home isolation of suspected cases and those with mild illnesses and strict infection control measures at hospitals that include contact and droplet precautions.