Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): A primer for emergency physicians

• Published in: The American journal of emergency medicine Vol. 44; pp. 220 - 229
• Main Authors: Chavez, Summer, Long, Brit, Koyfman, Alex, Liang, Stephen Y.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.06.2021; Elsevier Limited; W B Saunders
• Subjects: Age; Coronavirus Disease; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; COVID-19 - diagnosis; COVID-19 - epidemiology; Cross Infection - prevention & control; Diarrhea; Disease transmission; Dyspnea; Emergency medical care; Emergency medical services; Emergency preparedness; Emergency Service, Hospital; Epidemics; Epidemiology; Families & family life; Fatalities; Fever; Hand Disinfection; Hemodynamics; Humans; Hygiene; Infection Control - methods; Infections; Infectious disease; Laboratories; Medical personnel; Middle East respiratory syndrome; Pandemics; Patients; Personal Protective Equipment; Physicians; Pneumonia; Population; Protective equipment; Public health; Pulmonary; Respiratory diseases; Respiratory distress syndrome; Respiratory Protective Devices; Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; Swine flu; Virology; Womens health; United States > US; Italy; China; COVID-19; Infectious disease; Coronavirus Disease; Pulmonary
• ISSN: 0735-6757; 1532-8171
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2020.03.036

Rapid worldwide spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in a global pandemic. This review article provides emergency physicians with an overview of the most current understanding of COVID-19 and recommendations on the evaluation and management of patients with suspected COVID-19. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for causing COVID-19, is primarily transmitted from person-to-person through close contact (approximately 6 ft) by respiratory droplets. Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other viral upper respiratory illnesses. Three major trajectories include mild disease with upper respiratory symptoms, non-severe pneumonia, and severe pneumonia complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Emergency physicians should focus on identifying patients at risk, isolating suspected patients, and informing hospital infection prevention and public health authorities. Patients with suspected COVID-19 should be asked to wear a facemask. Respiratory etiquette, hand washing, and personal protective equipment are recommended for all healthcare personnel caring for suspected cases. Disposition depends on patient symptoms, hemodynamic status, and patient ability to self-quarantine. This narrative review provides clinicians with an updated approach to the evaluation and management of patients presenting to the emergency department with suspected COVID-19.