The new coronavirus disease: What do we know so far?

Tang, Sammer; Brady, Mike; Mildenhall, Jo; Rolfe, Ursula; Bowles, Alexandra; Morgan, Kirsty

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel coronavirus that causes the new disease COVID-19. Symptoms range from mild to severe with a higher incidence of severe cases in patients with risk factors such as older age and comorbidities. COVID-19 is mainly spread through the inhalation of respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing or via contact with droplet-contaminated surfaces. Paramedics should be aware that some aerosol-generating procedures may put them at a higher risk of contracting the virus via possible airborne transmission. Use of remote triage clinical assessment is likely to increase as a result of the pandemic. There is no curative drug treatment for the virus and some medications may exacerbate its effects or make patients more susceptible to it. Evidence and guidelines are evolving on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. Paramedics should keep up to date with the latest clinical guidance from their employers.

Citation

Tang, S., Brady, M., Mildenhall, J., Rolfe, U., Bowles, A., & Morgan, K. (2020). The new coronavirus disease: What do we know so far?. Journal of Paramedic Practice, 12(5), 193-201. https://doi.org/10.12968/jpar.2020.12.5.193

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 14, 2020
• Online Publication Date: May 5, 2020
• Publication Date: May 5, 2020
• Deposit Date: May 11, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 6, 2020
• Journal: Journal of Paramedic Practice
• Print ISSN: 2041-9457
• Electronic ISSN: 2041-9457
• Publisher: MA Healthcare
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 12
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 193-201
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.12968/jpar.2020.12.5.193
• Keywords: l Coronavirus l COVID-19 l SARS-CoV-2 l Pandemic l Infection prevention and control l Aerosols l Aerosol-generating procedures l Health and wellbeing
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/5972915
• Publisher URL: https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/full/10.12968/jpar.2020.12.5.193