Community-acquired pneumonia

Residence in/travel to a country/area or territory with local transmission, or close contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19, in the 14 days prior to symptom onset.

Signs and symptoms are similar so it may be difficult to differentiate between the conditions clinically.

The situation is evolving rapidly; see our COVID-19 topic for further information.

Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR): positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA.

It is not possible to differentiate COVID-19 from other causes of pneumonia on chest imaging.

No dyspnea, no lung crackles, mild presentation. Often related to a viral upper respiratory tract infection.

No consolidation on chest x-ray, with frequency related to viral infection.

Peripheral edema, cardiomegaly, hypotension.

Bilateral interstitial pattern or pleural effusions seen on chest x-ray.

Increased expectoration and cough, and worsening of dyspnea against a background of COPD. Patient is often a smoker.

Chest x-ray shows hyperinflation.

Symptoms and signs of bronchospasm, with worsening of underlying lung disease.

No consolidation on chest x-ray.

Increased expectoration and cough, and worsening of dyspnea, with worsening of underlying lung disease. Infections are typically recurrent.

No consolidation on chest x-ray.

Typically a long history, often with constitutional symptoms. Many patients will have lived in an endemic area.

Cavitation on chest x-ray, enlarged lymph nodes, positive purified protein derivative (PPD) skin testing.

Constitutional symptoms are common.

Consolidation on chest x-ray may be multiple, with pleural effusion commonly seen.

Constitutional symptoms are common, usually associated with a recent respiratory infection.

Pleural effusion seen on chest x-ray. Microbiology of pleural fluid may reveal infecting organism.