Coronavirus: Difference between revisions

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==Differential Diagnosis==
==Differential Diagnosis==
The most common presentation of coronavirus infection is the "common cold", and over 100 serotypes of viruses have been known to cause the common cold. [[Rhinovirus]] is the cause in about 30-50% of cases, coronavirus about 10-15% of the cases. Other viruses include [[respiratory syncytial virus]] (RSV), [[influenza]] and parainfluenza viruses.


==Evaluation==
==Evaluation==

Revision as of 16:23, 31 August 2016

Background

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

Clinical Features

Pulmonary - symptoms include coughing, signs of an asthma exacerbation, and in elderly or immunocompromised patients can even cause respiratory failure

GI - vomiting, diarrhea, in neonates it is thought to possibly even cause Necrotizing enterocolitis

HEENT - otalgia, coryza, rhinorrhea, sneezing

Differential Diagnosis

The most common presentation of coronavirus infection is the "common cold", and over 100 serotypes of viruses have been known to cause the common cold. Rhinovirus is the cause in about 30-50% of cases, coronavirus about 10-15% of the cases. Other viruses include respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and parainfluenza viruses.

Evaluation

Nasopharyngeal swabs can be done which can be used for reverse transcriptase PCRs and immunofluorescent antigen assay. However, cost can be a limiting factor, and in patients with symptoms of the common cold, this testing is not indicated.

Management

There is currently no recommended treatment for corona virus infections other than supportive care. During the 2002-2004 SARS outbreak, several antiviral agents were created, but their efficacy was never clearly established.

See Also

External Links

References