Comprehensive Review of COVID-19: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management

Review Article

Austin J Autism & Relat Disabil. 2023; 10(1): 1069.

Comprehensive Review of COVID-19: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management

Anusha S¹, Dasaradharami Reddy K²* and Ashalatha N³

¹Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, NBKR Institute of Science and Technology, Vidyanagar, India.

²School of Computer Science Engineering and Information Systems, Vellore Institute of Technology, India.

³Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Annamacharya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Tirupati, India.

*Corresponding author:Dasaradharami Reddy K School of Computer Science Engineering & Information Systems, Vellore Institute of Technology, India. Email: dasaradharami.k@vit.ac.in

Received: December 21, 2023 Accepted: February 03, 2024 Published: February 09, 2024

Abstract

COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, can lead to a wide range of symptoms, varying from mild to severe. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. Some individuals may also experience more severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain or pressure, confusion, inability to stay awake, and bluish lips or face, which require immediate medical attention. It’s important to note that symptoms can appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus, and some individuals may remain asymptomatic carriers. If you suspect you have COVID-19 or have been exposed to the virus, it’s crucial to seek medical advice and follow public health guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus. COVID-19 diagnosis involves identifying the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus through various methods such as RT-PCR testing, antigen testing, antibody testing, and imaging techniques such as chest X-rays and CT scans. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and control of the disease. Rapid and widespread testing, along with proper isolation and contact tracing, are essential for containing the spread of the virus. COVID-19 management involves a multi-faceted approach, including vaccination, testing, contact tracing, and public health measures such as mask-wearing and social distancing. Treatment focuses on supportive care and, in some cases, antiviral medications. On-going research is crucial for developing effective strategies to control the spread of the virus and mitigate its impact on public health.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19 symptoms; COVID-19 diagnosis; COVID-19 management; COVID-19 treatment

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has a profound impact on the world. Since its emergence, the virus has spread rapidly, causing widespread illness and death [1]. It has also led to significant disruptions in daily life, economies, and healthcare systems. In terms of daily life, many countries have implemented lockdowns and social distancing measures to slow the spread of the virus. This has led to changes in how people work, socialize, and access essential services. For example, many businesses have shifted to remote work, and schools have had to adapt to online learning. Additionally, travel restrictions and quarantine measures have affected people's ability to move freely and visit loved ones [2]. Economically, the pandemic has caused major disruptions. Many businesses, especially those in the hospitality, tourism, and entertainment industries, have suffered due to lockdowns and reduced consumer spending [3]. Unemployment rates have risen in many countries, and governments have had to implement stimulus packages to support individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic. Healthcare systems have also been significantly impacted. Hospitals and healthcare workers have been overwhelmed by the influx of COVID-19 patients, leading to shortages of medical supplies and personnel. Non-COVID-19 medical services have been disrupted, and many people have faced challenges in accessing routine healthcare. Real-time examples of the on-going impact of the pandemic include the emergence of new variants of the virus, such as the Delta and Omicron variants, which have led to surges in cases in various parts of the world. Additionally, vaccination campaigns continue to be a major focus, with efforts to increase vaccine distribution and access, as well as to address vaccine hesitancy in some communities [4]. Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic has far-reaching effects on the world, and its impact continues to be felt as efforts to control the virus and mitigate its consequences remain on-going.

The COVID-19 pandemic has a profound impact on public health worldwide. One of the most significant effects has been the strain on healthcare systems [5]. For example, during the peak of the pandemic, hospitals in many countries faced shortages of essential medical supplies such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), ventilators, and even basic items like masks and gloves. This scarcity not only endangered healthcare workers but also compromised the ability of hospitals to provide adequate care to patients. Furthermore, the surge in COVID-19 cases led to a shortage of hospital beds in many regions. This scarcity forced healthcare providers to make difficult decisions about which patients could receive treatment, potentially leading to delays in care for non-COVID-19-related conditions [6].

The pandemic has also exacerbated the existing shortage of healthcare workers. Many doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals have faced immense pressure and exhaustion due to the increased workload and the emotional toll of treating severely ill patients. Some healthcare workers have also fallen ill themselves, further straining the workforce. In terms of the virus's disproportionate impact on certain populations, the elderly and individuals with underlying health conditions have been particularly vulnerable to severe illness and death from COVID-19. For example, nursing homes and long-term care facilities have experienced devastating outbreaks, leading to a high number of fatalities among elderly residents. Marginalized communities with limited access to healthcare have also been disproportionately affected. These communities often face barriers to testing, treatment, and vaccination, leading to higher infection rates and poorer health outcomes. For instance, in some areas, language barriers, lack of transportation, and limited healthcare infrastructure have hindered marginalized individuals' ability to access critical healthcare services. Finally, the pandemic has strained healthcare systems, leading to shortages of medical supplies, hospital beds, and healthcare workers [7]. It has also disproportionately affected vulnerable populations, highlighting pre-existing health disparities and the need for targeted interventions to ensure equitable access to healthcare.

The COVID-19 pandemic has a profound impact on the global economy. Let's take a closer look at some of the effects:

Job Losses

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on various industries, leading to significant job losses. Let's delve into some real-time examples to illustrate this.

The travel industry has been severely affected, with major airlines like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines having to lay off thousands of employees due to reduced travel demand. For instance, American Airlines announced in 2020 that it would furlough or lay off 19,000 employees, while United Airlines warned of potential furloughs for 36,000 employees. These job losses were a direct result of the sharp decline in air travel as people cancelled or postponed their trips due to the pandemic. In the hospitality sector, hotels, resorts, and restaurants faced a similar plight. Many establishments had to reduce their workforce or shut down altogether due to decreased demand for travel and leisure activities [8]. For example, major hotel chains such as Marriott International and Hilton Worldwide Holdings had to implement layoffs and furloughs to cope with the impact of the pandemic on their business. The retail industry also experienced significant job losses as many non-essential stores were forced to close temporarily or operate with limited capacity. This led to layoffs and reduced working hours for retail employees across the country. Companies like Gap, Inc. and Macy's announced widespread layoffs and store closures as a result of the economic challenges posed by the pandemic. These examples highlight the widespread impact of the pandemic on industries such as travel, hospitality, and retail, leading to substantial job losses and economic hardship for many individuals and families.

Business Closures

The COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on small businesses, especially those in the hospitality and entertainment industries [9]. For example, many small restaurants and cafes have struggled to stay afloat due to prolonged lockdowns and restrictions on indoor dining. The reduced customer traffic has led to a decline in revenue, making it difficult for these businesses to cover their operational costs. In real-time, we can see that some small restaurants have to close their doors permanently. For instance, a family-owned Italian restaurant in a local neighbourhood recently announced its closure after being in business for over 20 years. The owner cited the financial strain caused by the pandemic as the primary reason for the closure. Similarly, a small music venue that used to host live performances has also shut down due to the on-going challenges of operating at limited capacity and the uncertainty surrounding future events. These examples illustrate the real and devastating impact of the pandemic on small businesses in the restaurant, bar, and entertainment sectors [10]. The road to recovery for these businesses will likely be long and challenging, requiring support from both the government and the local community.

Financial Hardship

The pandemic has caused significant financial hardship for many individuals and families [11]. For example, hourly workers in the service industry, such as restaurant staff, have faced reduced hours or even job loss due to restrictions on indoor dining and other public health measures. This has led to struggles in paying for rent, mortgages, and other essential expenses. In real-time, we can see that despite some economic recovery, many people are still facing challenges. For instance, a family in a tourist-dependent area might have seen a drastic reduction in income due to decreased travel and tourism. This could make it difficult for them to keep up with their housing payments and other bills. Furthermore, individuals who work in the gig economy, such as rideshare drivers or freelance workers, have also experienced financial strain as demand for their services decreased during lockdowns and restrictions [12]. Overall, the pandemic's impact on employment and income has created widespread financial difficulties for many, particularly those in hourly wage jobs and heavily impacted industries.

The COVID-19 pandemic has profound economic impacts globally, leading governments to implement various measures to mitigate these effects, as shown in Table 1. Let's delve into some of these measures and their real-time examples.