Concise information for the frontline health care workers in the era of covid-19

ABSTRACT

Background: COVID-19, a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 has become a public health emergency of worldwide concern. Originated in Wuhan District of China, it has spread globally at a very rapid rate causing millions of deaths worldwide. Aims and Objectives: To summarize findings from all the current literature available from different databases regarding the epidemiological, clinical characteristics, laboratory diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control of the SARS-CoV-2. This will help out the reader to have a fine gist of all the data available on SARS-CoV-2 in an effective manner. Methods: All the research literature from Jan-March 2020 and available on the following online databases bio-Rxiv, PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase as well as CNKI and Wang Fang data were included in the review. The keywords used for data search were “coronavirus,” “nCoV,” “2019-nCoV,” and “COVID-19.” Conclusion: After undergoing extensive literature search, it can be concluded that it mainly effects elderly male population. Mode of transmission is droplet transmission and human to human transmission is present. The main diagnostic modality remains molecular assays though several rapid testing methods are on the way. Due to lack of specific treatment guidelines, Infection control and supportive treatment remain the mainstay. Plethora of experiments are under trails for development of effective vaccine which can be a ray of hope in future. © 2020, Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine. All rights reserved.