COVID-19-from emerging global threat to ongoing pandemic crisis

Karen B. Brust; Vinayika Papineni; Cristie Columbus; Alejandro C. Arroliga

doi:10.1080/08998280.2022.2068940

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COVID-19-from emerging global threat to ongoing pandemic crisis

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

COVID-19-from emerging global threat to ongoing pandemic crisis

Karen B. Brust, Vinayika Papineni, Cristie Columbus and Alejandro C. Arroliga

Proceedings - Baylor University. Medical Center, Vol.35(4), pp.468-475

06/09/2022

DOI: 10.1080/08998280.2022.2068940

PMCID: PMC9196727

PMID: 35754606

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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9196727View

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Abstract

In December 2019, China witnessed the emergence of a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. Its ability to spread quickly made it a global pandemic. The United States has been greatly affected, with more than 980,000 lives lost so far. Diagnosis is made primarily through nasopharyngeal swab for polymerase chain reaction. Point-of-care testing by antigen is less sensitive and specific and may require polymerase chain reaction confirmation. Management of the COVID-19 patient remains largely supportive. Steroids are now a therapy mainstay if the patient is hypoxic. Direct antivirals, such as nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, remdesivir, or molnupirivir, can be used if certain criteria are met. SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted primarily by inhalation of large droplets, though transmission by aerosolization may occur, particularly via certain procedures. In the hospital setting, use of personal protective equipment for the care of COVID-19 patients has largely remained the same, with full use of gowns, gloves, respirators, and eye protection. Inadequate supply at the start of the pandemic required innovative ways to reprocess and extend the use of personal protective equipment. Three vaccines are now available in the US, all with excellent efficacy against severe disease and hospitalization, though booster doses are needed to bolster waning antibody levels. The possibility of emerging variants continues to remain a threat to control of the pandemic. The leader of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros, has stated, "The pandemic will not be over anywhere until it's over everywhere."

Coronavirus

COVID-19

infection control

infectious diseases

pandemic

Details

Title: Subtitle: COVID-19-from emerging global threat to ongoing pandemic crisis
Creators: Karen B. Brust - Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple
Vinayika Papineni - Texas A&M Health Science Center
Cristie Columbus - Baylor University Medical Center
Alejandro C. Arroliga - Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Proceedings - Baylor University. Medical Center, Vol.35(4), pp.468-475
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
DOI: 10.1080/08998280.2022.2068940
PMID: 35754606
PMCID: PMC9196727
ISSN: 0899-8280
eISSN: 1525-3252
Language: English
Date published: 06/09/2022
Academic Unit: Internal Medicine
Record Identifier: 9984359701702771

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