Journey so far with COVID 19 – a comprehensive review

Abstract

Introduction. The occurrence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged as a global pandemic with huge death tolls. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may progress from minimal infection to serious respiratory failure mandating treatment for a continuum of developed disease condition. Aim. The purpose of this review is to summarize the findings related to epidemiology, clinical manifestations, modes of transmission, diagnosis and the treatment modalities (both experimental and repurposed) for COVID-19. Material and methods. Literature were searched using various search engines like PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, J-Gate, Google Scholar to look for review articles, randomized controlled trial results, prospective studies and, retrospective studies done on COVID-19 for the purpose of this comprehensive review. Analysis of the literature. The transmission seems to be occurring through droplet, fomite and aerosols (rarely). Currently there is no specific/targeted vaccine available. Priority is highly placed to identify possible treatment approaches to circumvention this disease. Conclusion. Till we find a vaccine, we have to strategize to optimally use the existing evidence of the indirect effects of these various available drugs for therapy and maintain a strict protocol for prevention and we must use triage system to admit only those critically ill or having severe disease.