Differentials
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
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.
INVESTIGATIONS
Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction: 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.
Bacterial pneumonia
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
No differentiating features in history and physical examination.
INVESTIGATIONS
Tests for Legionella are negative. Culture of sputum, blood, or pleural fluid may grow other organisms.
Hospital-acquired pneumonia
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
No differentiating features in history and physical examination.
INVESTIGATIONS
Tests for Legionella are negative. Other bacterial organisms may be cultured.
Community-acquired pneumonia
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
No differentiating features in history and physical examination.
INVESTIGATIONS
Tests for Legionella are negative. Other bacterial organisms may be cultured.
Influenza
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
No differentiating features in history and physical examination.
INVESTIGATIONS
Tests for Legionella are negative. Viral serology or culture may be positive for influenza.
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