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There is no routine head and neck exam during the COVID ‐19 pandemic
Author(s) -
Chan Jason Y. K.,
Tsang Raymond K. Y.,
Yeung K. W.,
Abdullah Victor,
Ku Peter,
Wong Eddy W. Y.,
Mehta Nishchay,
Orosco Ryan K.,
Holsinger F. Christopher
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.26168
Subject(s) - pandemic , medicine , covid-19 , head and neck , airway , endoscopy , surgery , virology , pathology , infectious disease (medical specialty) , disease , outbreak
Head and neck examinations are commonly performed by all physicians. In the era of the COVID‐19 pandemic caused by the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus, which has a high viral load in the upper airways, these examinations and procedures of the upper aerodigestive tract must be approached with caution. Based on experience and evidence from SARS‐CoV‐1 and early experience with SARS‐CoV‐2, we provide our perspective and guidance on mitigating transmission risk during head and neck examination, upper airway endoscopy, and head and neck mucosal surgery including tracheostomy.