[COVID-19 in the Family Practice - Outpatient Treatment or Hospitalization?]

COVID-19 in the Family Practice - Outpatient Treatment or Hospitalization? Switzerland has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The clinical spectrum of this disease in terms of its clinical presentation and course is very broad. A correct initial evaluation in the practice or in the emergency department is important and includes history-taking and clinical examination as well as imaging and laboratory tests. Most patients with COVID-19 can be treated as outpatients. Hospitalization may be necessary in patients with a marked COVID-19 pneumonia or further complications, which occur primarily in the second or third phase of the disease. The dynamics of the disease must also be taken into consideration. In outpatients, symptomatic therapy is often sufficient, antibiotics and corticosteroids are not indicated.