COVID-19

Background

• Also known as "2019 Novel Coronavirus"
• First detected in Wuhan, China

Specific Coronavirus Sub-Types of Clinical Importance

• MERS-CoV
• SARS-CoV
• SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

Clinical Features

Case definition (Jan, 2020)

• Patients with (must have ALL 3 criteria):

1. Travel to Wuhan China is past 14 days OR Exposure to Known Corona Virus Patient AND
2. Fever AND
3. Lower respiratory symptoms (cough or shortness of breath)

Differential Diagnosis

• Influenza
• Pneumonia
• Sinusitis

Evaluation

• BIOFIRE RESP PANEL Corona Virus assay does NOT detect this subtype - DO NOT USE

Management

• Supportive care is mainstay of therapy
• Most patients will do well enough for discharge home
• Discuss with LA Dept of Public Health, who will guide testing and, if discharging, help patient remain in isolation at home

Disposition

• Usually home, but decision needs to be made in conjunction with LA Dept. of Public Health
• If admitting, needs to be placed in negative pressure isolation room with airborne and droplet precautions

See Also

• Coronavirus

External Links

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