Mild or Moderate Covid-19

Mild or Moderate Covid-19 Covid-19 has a range of clinical manifestations, including cough, fever, myalgias, gastrointestinal symptoms, and anosmia. Diagnosis of Covid-19 is commonly made through detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by PCR testing of a nasopharyngeal swab or other specimens, including saliva. Antigen tests are generally less sensitive than PCR tests but are less expensive and can be used at the point of care with rapid results. Evaluation and management of Covid-19 depend on the severity of the disease. Patients with mild disease usually recover at home, whereas patients with moderate disease should be monitored closely and sometimes hospitalized. Remdesivir and dexamethasone have demonstrated benefits in hospitalized patients with severe Covid-19, but in patients with moderate disease, dexamethasone is not efficacious (and may be harmful) and data are insufficient to recommend for or against routine use of remdesivir. Infection control efforts center on personal protective equipment for health care workers, social distancing, and testing. The diagnosis of Covid-19 is usually based on SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing of a nasopharyngeal swab or other specimen. Remdesivir and dexamethasone have benefits in hospitalized patients with severe Covid-19, but in patients with moderate disease, dexamethasone is not efficacious and data are insufficient to recommend for or against routine use of remdesivir.