Coronaviruses typically cause common cold symptoms, but two beta coronaviruses, SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), can cause pneumonia, respiratory failure, and death. The clinical spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 infection ranges from asymptomatic infection to critical illness. Risk factors for complications of COVID-19 include older age, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes, and obesity.

The new England Journal of Medicine published a case study on a patient with multiple co-morbidities who presented with COVID-19. In the article, the researchers stated that “many uncertainties remain in our understanding of the spread of COVID-19 and its management. More data are needed to establish the standard of care for patients with mild or moderate disease and to evaluate potential strategies to reduce the risk of infection in exposed persons. It is unknown whether infection confers immunity and if so, for how long and whether results of serologic testing can be used to inform when health care workers and others can safely return to work.”

Interesting article, worth the read! As always, stay the course, stay strong, stay well, stay safe, mask up, and stay tuned!