COVID-19

Question 1

What is COVID-19?

Answer 1

• Potentially severe acute respiratory infection caused by the novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
• Transmission occurs primarily via respiratory droplets and has an average incubation period of around 5 days

Question 2

What are the presenting symptoms of COVID-19?

Answer 2

• Fever
• Cough
• Dyspnoea
• Altered sense of smell/taste
• Headache
• Sore Throat
• Nasal Congestion

Question 3

What investigations are used to diagnose/ monitor COVID-19?

Answer 3

1. Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Reaction (RT-PCR) isolated from a nasopharyngeal swab
2. Pulse Oximetry
3. CXR → if suspected pneumonia

Question 4

How is COVID-19 managed?

Answer 4

1. Mild/Moderate → isolation, supportive measures, antipyretic/analgesic
2. Severe → hospital admission, VTE prophylaxis, oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation