COVID-19 : épidémiologie et physiopathologie

By a novel coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2) first detected in China in December 2019. Transmission occurs primarily through the respiratory route. The reproduction rate (R0) varies between 2.24 and 3.58. After an incubation period of 3 to 5 days, only 15% of patients are at risk of developing a severe form. The mortality rate varies between 0.5 and 3% and increases with age and in the event of co-morbidities including high blood pressure, diabetes, coronary heart disease, chronic respiratory disease, chronic renal failure, cancers and severe obesity. In this article, we also describe the pathophysiological mechanisms of this infection which are not yet completely elucidated but which involve viral, inflammatory and thrombotic phases.