Definition:

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus. 'CO' stands for corona, 'VI' for virus, and 'D' for disease. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.

Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment.  Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.

COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization.

Most common symptoms:

• fever.
• dry cough.
• tiredness.

Less common symptoms:

• aches and pains.
• sore throat.
• diarrhoea.
• conjunctivitis.
• headache.
• loss of taste or smell.
• a rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes.

Serious symptoms:

• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
• chest pain or pressure.
• loss of speech or movement.

On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days. 

To prevent infection and to slow transmission of COVID-19, do the following:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or clean them with alcohol-based hand rub.
• Maintain at least 1 metre distance between you and people coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Stay home if you feel unwell.
• Refrain from smoking and other activities that weaken the lungs.
• Practice physical distancing by avoiding unnecessary travel and staying away from large groups of people.

The clinical trials fighting the COVID-19 pandemic

Clinical trials are urgently needed to test treatments and vaccines for COVID-19. In our blog for Clinical Trials Day 2020 we look at the studies that have been registered at the ISRCTN registry as of May 2020.

In a few short months the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has spread throughout the world. The virus can infect the respiratory (breathing) system, causing fever and a continuous cough, and can develop into pneumonia.

There is currently no vaccine against the virus or approved specific treatment for COVID-19 (the disease caused by the virus), although remdesivir has been authorized for emergency use by the US FDA pending formal approval.

Clinical trials are urgently needed to determine the effectiveness of treatments and vaccines for COVID-19. In our blog for Clinical Trials Day 2020 we look at a selection of the ongoing COVID-19-related trials that have been registered at the ISRCTN registry so far this year.

Thanks and Regards,

Alpine

Associate Editor

Journal of Clinical Trials

clinicaltrials@eclinicalsci.com