Contemporary Concise Review 2021: COVID‐19 and other respiratory infections

Abstract

Summary of key points Bats are likely the primary source of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Minks are highly susceptible to infection by SARS‐CoV‐2. Transmission from asymptomatic individuals was estimated to account for over 50% of all transmissions of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) cases. SARS‐CoV‐2 is evolving towards more efficient aerosol transmission. Remdesivir, baricitinib, tocilizumab and dexamethasone are frequently used for the treatment of patients with respiratory failure due to COVID‐19. There is a rising incidence of non‐tuberculous Mycobacterium pulmonary disease globally, with a higher prevalence in Asian countries than in the Western world. Protracted bacterial bronchitis is a common cause of chronic productive cough in childhood. Re‐emergence of respiratory syncytial virus may occur after the relaxation of infection control measures and the reopening of borders during COVID‐19 pandemic.