COVID-19 affects almost every organ and system in the body, depending on
the severity of the disease, viral load, and host factors. In definition, the complex
(ACE2) receptors – protein S of the virus leads to the involvement of various tissues
and organs. ACE2 receptors are present on most cells, inducing cardiovascular
symptoms, kidney disease, and neurological involvement. Complaints and findings
such as fever, dry cough, and weakness are predominant in many large series .
However, shortness of breath almost invariably predicts a more severe disease course
in most patients. More rarely, neurological, gastrointestinal, or dermatological
complaints and findings are also noted, mostly in conjunction with other signs.
Laboratory and radiological adjuncts are mostly the keys for an expedient diagnosis
and management, especially in institutions with a high number of admissions in a time
unit. The clinician should be alert on how to interpret hallmarks of the disease, which
can predict a grave outcome and severe course in any given patient.
Keywords: Clinical course, COVID-19, Outbreak, Pandemic, Signs and
symptoms.
