Contemporary Concise Review 2021: COVID-19 and other respiratory infections

Bats are likely the primary source of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Minks are highly susceptible to infection by SARS-CoV-2. Transmission from asymptomatic individuals was estimated to account for over 50% of all transmissions of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. SARS-CoV-2 is evolving towards more efficient aerosol transmission. Remdesivir, baricitinib, tocilizumab and dexamethasone are frequently used for the treatment of patients with respiratory failure due to COVID-19. There is a rising incidence of non-tuberculous Mycobacterium pulmonary disease globally, with a higher prevalence in Asian countries than in the Western world. Protracted bacterial bronchitis is a common cause of chronic productive cough in childhood. Re-emergence of respiratory syncytial virus may occur after the relaxation of infection control measures and the reopening of borders during COVID-19 pandemic.