Coronavirus

Background

• Coronaviruses are enveloped, positive-stranded RNA viruses
• Commonly cause up to one-third of upper respiratory tract infections in adults and children
  • Also thought to cause diarrhea in infants and children.

Clinical Features

• Pulmonary - coughing, dyspnea/wheezing, respiratory failure (seen in elderly/immunocompromised)
• GI - vomiting, diarrhea, Necrotizing enterocolitis (in neonates)
• HEENT - otalgia, coryza, rhinorrhea, sneezing

Differential Diagnosis

• Rhinovirus
• respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• influenza
• parainfluenza

Evaluation

• Generally no evaluation indicated
• If needed, nasal swabs can be sent for PCR and immunofluorescent antigen assay

Management

• Supportive care