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?:abstract
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After the first cases of pneumonia of unknown cause that occurred in China in December 2019, a SARS-CoV-2-related pandemic has spread. This disease called COVID-19 classified as a public health emergency by the WHO has impacted our professional practice leading to major changes for an unknown duration. Even if we know part of the biological aspects of SARS-CoV-2, (viral replication cycle, parameters and dynamics of transmissibility), in the absence of specific treatment, this paucy-symptomatic respiratory infection in the vast majority of cases, leads to mortality in about 1% of the cases and a morbidity of 10%. This resulted in a deep tension of our healthcare system. The diagnosis is based on the association of clinical signs of low respiratory infection and direct detection of the virus by PCR or indirect radiological pulmonary lesions. Very symptomatic and severe forms most often require hospital treatment. Once the diagnosis has been made, management is based on the recognition of severe cases and on symptomatic therapeutic measures: oxygenation, antibiotic therapy to prevent secondary infection, anticoagulation and hydration. Anti-viral treatments and immune-modulators for the second phase of the disease linked to a cytokine storm are being evaluated. Prevention is an essential element using specific patient path, protection of patients and caregivers by “droplets” and “contact” isolation (mask, personal hygiene, hydro-alcoholic solution) and physical and social distancing. These measures aim to counterbalance the saturation of the healthcare system by reducing epidemic peaks. Vaccination is expected since it appears as in the final issue of this disease.
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