SARS-CoV-2

principais aspectos sobre o novo coronavírus

Abstract

Human coronaviruses (HCoVs) have been the second leading cause of benign colds. A new variant of coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, appeared in China in December 2019, which was initially described as an unknown agent for pneumonia. COVID-19 pandemic appears to have started in the Chinese city of Wuhan and its frighteningly rapid transmission to other countries resulted in the World Health Organization declaring a global health emergency. In this review, we compiled the main data about SARS-CoV-2 published in scientific journals, and the evolution of Covid-19 in the first half of 2020. The new coronavirus spreads mainly through human-to-human transmission, of those in close contact. It has been assumed that the primary viral replication occurs, in the epithelial mucosa of the upper respiratory system, and then spreading to the lower respiratory system and gastrointestinal mucosa. According to clinical studies, the symptoms are similar to colds and flu- like conditions, and they may progress to symptoms related to infection of the lower respiratory system, nausea and diarrhea. Implementation of appropriate preventive measures is a critical and integral part of the clinical management of patients and they must be initiated as soon as these patients enter the care settings. Continued training of the entire hospital team is necessary for the use of protective equipment and the use of strategies that enable the improvement of care, without further exposing health professionals. Diagnostic tests for COVID-19 are essential to track and prevent transmission of the virus, understand epidemiology and manage the number of cases.