[Basic aspects of COVID-19 for management from primary care].

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, a global pandemic.
• Transmission occurs via respiratory droplets and aerosols.
• Disease spectrum ranges from asymptomatic to critical, with significant mortality in vulnerable groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the transmission, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of COVID-19.
• To identify risk factors for severe disease and mortality.
• To outline recommended treatment and monitoring protocols.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on SARS-CoV-2 transmission and COVID-19 clinical course.
• Analysis of diagnostic methods including RT-PCR and antigen detection.
• Synthesis of current treatment guidelines for hospitalized and discharged patients.

Main Results:

• The median incubation period for SARS-CoV-2 is 5.1 days.
• Common symptoms include fever, cough, dyspnea, and fatigue; nearly half of cases are asymptomatic.
• Older age, male sex, and comorbidities increase severity and mortality risk.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 diagnosis relies on RT-PCR or antigen tests.
• Remdesivir shortens recovery time in hospitalized patients; steroids are used for severe cases.
• Thromboprophylaxis and monitoring post-discharge are crucial for managing COVID-19 patients.