[Respiratory complaints in the time of COVID-19]

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2020 Mar 25:164:D4999.
[Article in Dutch]

Abstract

The current guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of primary respiratory infections are still useful during the COVID-19 epidemic.Telephone triage of patients with respiratory complaints aims to identify patients with complications or an increased risk of complications.There are no indications to test for SARS-CoV-2 virus in general practice.During this COVID-19 epidemic, protective clothing is recommended in all physical contacts with patients with respiratory complaints.There is no reason to be cautious about using NSAIDs in patients suspected of COVID-19.Amoxicillin is first choice treatment for respiratory infections during the COVID-19 epidemic; there is lack of evidence to support azithromycin as a first choice.Respiratory rate > 24 / min or saturation <92-94% indicate imminent respiratory decompensation and may be reasons for referral.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Amoxicillin / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
  • Betacoronavirus*
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / diagnosis*
  • Coronavirus Infections / epidemiology
  • Coronavirus Infections / prevention & control
  • Female
  • General Practice* / methods
  • General Practice* / standards
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pandemics / prevention & control
  • Pneumonia, Viral / diagnosis*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / epidemiology
  • Pneumonia, Viral / prevention & control
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / drug therapy
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / virology*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Triage

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Amoxicillin