🏥 Stations

🧠 Qbank

📖 Book

😃 More

💳 Pricing

🔒 Dashboard

📖 OSCE Learning

🔒 OSCE Stations

🔒 Qbank

🔐 Membership
Share your insights

Help us by sharing what content you've recieved in your exams


COVID-19

Medicine > Infection

Background knowledge 🧠

Definition

  • COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
  • It emerged in December 2019 in Wuhan, China.
  • Characterised by a wide range of symptoms, from mild respiratory illness to severe pneumonia.
  • Highly contagious and has led to a global pandemic.

Epidemiology

  • Global pandemic declared by WHO in March 2020.
  • Affected millions worldwide with significant mortality and morbidity.
  • UK has experienced several waves of infection.
  • Higher risk in elderly, immunocompromised, and those with comorbidities.
  • Vaccination efforts are ongoing globally.

Aetiology and Pathophysiology

  • Caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a novel coronavirus.
  • Transmitted through respiratory droplets, aerosols, and fomites.
  • Virus binds to ACE2 receptors in the respiratory tract.
  • Can cause severe inflammation and cytokine storm in severe cases.
  • Multisystem involvement can occur, including cardiovascular, renal, and neurological systems

Clinical Features 🌡️

Symptoms

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Myalgia
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. diarrhoea)

Signs

  • Tachypnea
  • Hypoxia
  • Crackles on lung auscultation
  • Tachycardia
  • Cyanosis in severe cases
  • Signs of systemic involvement such as confusion or altered mental status

Investigations 🧪

Tests

  • PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 RNA from nasopharyngeal swabs.
  • Rapid antigen tests for screening purposes.
  • Chest X-ray or CT scan to assess lung involvement.
  • Blood tests: Full blood count, CRP, D-dimer, liver enzymes, renal function tests.
  • Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis in severe cases.
  • Serological tests to detect antibodies (for past infection).

Management 🥼

Management

  • Supportive care including oxygen therapy.
  • Antiviral medications (e.g., remdesivir).
  • Dexamethasone for patients requiring oxygen or ventilation.
  • Tocilizumab or baricitinib may be used in some patients requiring oxygen or ventilation.
  • Anticoagulation therapy for thromboembolism prevention.
  • Paxlovid and monoclonal antibodies for high-risk patients not requiring oxygen therapy.
  • Ventilatory support including non-invasive and invasive ventilation in severe cases.
  • Follow UK guidelines (NICE, NHS) for latest treatment protocols.

Complications

  • Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
  • Thromboembolic events (e.g., pulmonary embolism)
  • Myocarditis and cardiac arrhythmias
  • Multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS) in children
  • Long COVID: Persistent symptoms beyond the acute phase

Prognosis

  • Varies widely depending on age, comorbidities, and severity of disease.
  • High recovery rate for mild to moderate cases.
  • Increased mortality in elderly and those with underlying conditions.
  • Long-term sequelae possible, including chronic fatigue and respiratory issues.
  • Ongoing research into long-term outcomes and management.

Key points

  • COVID-19 is a highly contagious viral illness with a broad spectrum of disease severity.
  • Diagnosis primarily via PCR testing.
  • Management includes supportive care, antivirals, steroids, and anticoagulation.
  • Prevention through vaccination, social distancing, and hygiene measures is crucial.
  • Stay updated with UK guidelines (NICE, NHS) for current best practices.

References

  • NICE guidelines on COVID-19 (https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng191)
  • NHS COVID-19 information (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/)
  • WHO COVID-19 updates (https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019)
  • BMJ COVID-19 resources (https://www.bmj.com/coronavirus)

No comments yet 😉

Leave a Reply

Infection