Patient follow-up after discharge after COVID-19 pneumonia: Considerations for infectious control |
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Authors: | Zhong Zheng Zhixian Yao Ke Wu MD Junhua Zheng MD |
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Affiliation: | 1. Department of Evidence-Based Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China;2. Department of Evidence-Based Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China Shanghai Medical Aid Team in Wuhan, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China |
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Abstract: | Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) represents a significant global medical issue, with a growing number of cumulative confirmed cases. However, a large number of patients with COVID-19 have overcome the disease, meeting hospital discharge criteria, and are gradually returning to work and social life. Nonetheless, COVID-19 may cause further downstream issues in these patients, such as due to possible reactivation of the virus, long-term pulmonary defects, and posttraumatic stress disorder. In this study, we, therefore, queried relevant literature concerning severe acute respiratory syndrome, Middle East respiratory syndrome, and COVID-19 for reference to come to a consensus on follow-up strategies. We found that strategies, such as the implementation of polymerase chain reaction testing, imaging surveillance, and psychological assessments, starting at the time of discharge, were necessary for long-term follow-up. If close care is given to every aspect of coronavirus management, we expect that the pandemic outbreak will soon be overcome. |
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Keywords: | coronavirus disease 2019 discharge follow-up Middle East respiratory syndrome severe acute respiratory syndrome |
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