COVID-19 severe conditions: EMS, pharmacists, and health informatics strategies and community impact

Review article

https://doi.org/10.53730/ijhs.v6nS10.15172

Authors

  • Adel Mansour Alzahrani KSA, National Guard Health Affairs
  • Fayez Judaya F Altayawi KSA, National Guard Health Affairs
  • Bander Batti Alrasheedi KSA, National Guard Health Affairs
  • ‏Abdulrahman Abdullah Nazal Alanzi KSA, National Guard Health Affairs
  • Amani Ayyadhah Alanazi KSA, National Guard Health Affairs
  • Saif Helal Almutairi KSA, National Guard Health Affairs
  • Abdulkarim Hamed Alsulami KSA, National Guard Health Affairs

Keywords:

COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Delta variant, Omicron variant, Emergency Medical Services, disease severity, global pandemic

Abstract

Background: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has emerged as a global pandemic since late 2019, with significant impacts on health systems and communities worldwide. The virus, which affects respiratory and other systems, has seen the emergence of several variants, including Delta and Omicron, each with distinct impacts on transmissibility and disease severity. Aim: This review aims to provide an updated overview of COVID-19's severe conditions, the strategies used by Emergency Medical Services (EMS), pharmacists, and health information for controlling and management, and the overall community impact. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar up to December 31, 2021. Search terms included 'COVID,' 'COVID-19,' 'SARS-CoV-2,' and 'coronavirus,' focusing on retrospective and prospective studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical guidelines. The review included 194 pertinent sources, emphasizing emergency medicine-related research. Results: The review highlights the rapid global spread of COVID-19, the emergence and impact of variants like Delta and Omicron, and their association with increased transmissibility and severe disease outcomes. Key findings include the Delta variant’s higher viral loads and association with severe illness, and the Omicron variant’s high transmissibility and potential reduced severity of disease. Hospitalization and mortality rates have evolved with advancements in treatment and vaccination. 

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Published

15-01-2022

How to Cite

Alzahrani, A. M., Altayawi, F. J. F., Alrasheedi, B. B., Alanzi, ‏Abdulrahman A. N., Alanazi, A. A., Almutairi, S. H., & Alsulami, A. H. (2022). COVID-19 severe conditions: EMS, pharmacists, and health informatics strategies and community impact: Review article. International Journal of Health Sciences, 6(S10), 1850–1871. https://doi.org/10.53730/ijhs.v6nS10.15172

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