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Clinical practice in COVID-19: The most frequently asked questions to infectious diseases specialists
Moara Alves Santa Bárbara Borges1, Adriana Oliveira Guilarde2, Lísia Gomes Martins de Moura Tomich3
1Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil; Serviço de Infectologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
Insights
This review addresses common questions about severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), or COVID-19, for healthcare professionals and the public. It synthesizes evidence on infection, transmission, management, and vaccination to improve COVID-19 care.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has led to a significant increase in scientific publications.
- Despite extensive literature, physicians frequently encounter questions regarding COVID-19 from various stakeholders.
- Addressing these queries is crucial for effective disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and answer frequently asked questions about COVID-19.
- To provide evidence-based information on key aspects of the pandemic.
- To support physicians, patients, and families in understanding and managing COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- A literature review was conducted to gather evidence.
- A web-based questionnaire surveyed 70 infectious disease specialists and residents.
- The 10 most frequent questions identified guided the narrative review's topics.
Main Results:
- The review covers critical topics including infection, transmission, and isolation protocols.
- It addresses management of confirmed COVID-19 cases, reinfection, and clinical-therapeutic strategies.
- Information on vaccination and post-infection/vaccination antibody status is also provided.
Conclusions:
- Clarifying doubts with clear, evidence-based information is essential for managing COVID-19.
- This approach aids in better patient care within community and hospital settings.
- The study highlights the need for accessible, synthesized information on emerging infectious diseases.
Abstract:
Since the emergence of the disease caused by the severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) - COVID-19 - in late December 2019, a vast number of publications on the subject appeared in peer-reviewed journals and preprints. Despite the significant amount of available information, infectious disease physicians are requested to solve questions from colleagues, patients, and relatives on a daily basis. Here, we aim to describe the evidence supporting the answers for frequently asked questions, based on a literature review. We created a web-based questionnaire which was distributed to a group of 70 infectious disease specialists and medical residents, asking what questions and issues they most frequently faced. The 10 most frequent questions guided the topics for a narrative review. We provide evidence and consensus-based information on subjects such as infection and transmission, isolation, management of COVID-19 confirmed cases, reinfection, clinical-therapeutic management, vaccination, and antibodies post-infection/vaccination. Correctly clarifying doubts and providing clear information to physicians, patients, and family members helps to better manage COVID-19 in the community and the hospital settings.
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