Nurses indispensable role during COVID-19

Abstract

There is a new public health crisis threatening the world with the emergence and spread of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) or the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), as it is now called, is rapidly spreading from its origin in Wuhan City of Hubei Province of China to the rest of the world. Coronaviruses are enveloped positive-sense RNA viruses that are diversely found in humans and wildlife originated in bats ranging from 60 nm to 140 nm in diameter with spike-like projections on its surface giving it a crown-like appearance under the electron microscope, hence the name coronavirus. A total of six species have been identified which are known to infect the neurological, respiratory, enteric, and hepatic systems. The epicenter of infection was linked to seafood and exotic animal wholesale markets in the city. SARS-CoV-2 is highly contagious and has resulted in a rapid pandemic of COVID-19. As the number of cases continues to rise, it is clear that these viruses pose a threat to public health. The disease is transmitted by inhalation or contact with infected droplets and the incubation period ranges from 2 to 14 days. The symptoms are usually fever, cough, sore throat, breathlessness, fatigue, and malaise among others. The disease is mild in most people; in some (usually the elderly and those with comorbidities), it may progress to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and multiorgan dysfunction. Many people are asymptomatic. The case fatality rate is estimated to range from 2 to 3%. Treatment is essentially supportive; role of antiviral agents is yet to be established. Prevention entails home isolation of suspected cases and those with mild illnesses and strict infection control measure at hospitals that include contact and droplet precautions. The global impact of this new epidemic is yet uncertain. We conducted a literature review of publicly available information to summarize knowledge about the pathogen and the current epidemic. In this literature review, the causative agent, epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and nurses role regarding disease, control, and prevention strategies are all reviewed. It will also provide a means to raise awareness among primary and secondary health-care providers during the current pandemic.