A review of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) for pharmacists

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES After completing this activity, the pharmacist should be able to Identify the clinical presentation, time to onset of signs and symptoms, and modes of transmission of COVID-19. Describe diagnostic considerations and priorities for testing patients with suspected COVID-19. Compare and contrast guideline recommendations and the mechanisms of action of investigational therapeutic options used in the management of patients with COVID-19. State general measures for the public and measures for infection control in healthcare settings to prevent COVID-19. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath, with presentations ranging from absence of symptoms to severe infection requiring mechanical ventilation. COVID-19 has spread throughout the world and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. Current clinical management includes infection prevention measures and supportive care. Additionally, many investigational therapies are being used for the treatment of patients with this novel infection. Guidelines for the management of COVID-19 are being regularly updated based on rapidly emerging information. Pharmacists are in a key position to pro-vide recommendations for appropriate preventive measures and to actively work with other healthcare professionals to ensure appropriate management of patients presenting with this infection.