• Lauren E Miller, David A Shaye, and Linda N Lee.
• aDepartment of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery bDivision of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
• Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2020 Aug 1; 28 (4): 228-234.

Purpose Of ReviewThe SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic, referred to as COVID-19, has spread throughout the globe since its first case in China in December 2019, leaving a significant number of people infected and clinically ill. The purpose of this review is to provide the current known clinical characteristics of and management for COVID-19 as it relates to otolaryngology.Recent FindingsCOVID-19 is a highly transmissible respiratory disease with common presenting symptoms of fever, cough, and fatigue. In the absence of available vaccines or antiviral therapies, symptomatic and respiratory support is the current standard of therapy. Measures to prevent further transmission have been enacted globally including social distancing and cancellation of public events. Given elevated viral load in the upper aerodigestive tract, extra precautions in patients with otolaryngology needs have been recommended for protection of both healthcare workers and patients.SummaryOtolaryngologists face unique risk from COVID-19. Maintaining appropriate preventive health measures and remaining updated on institutional clinical guidelines is paramount for both caretaker safety and patient care.

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