Even though there has been a decrease in both infection rates and
prevalence of COVID-19 in some parts of the world, in some countries the
spread of COVID-19 has not been adequately controlled and the numbers
are still rising. Epidemiologists have warned of possible subsequent
waves until an effective vaccination becomes available. Until then,
recommendations for different aspects of patient care are strictly
needed, which underlines the importance of the COVID-19 series of
publications in this journal. The recommendations provided in these
articles will inform allergists and healthcare providers on the
management and treatment of patients during this pandemic. It should be
noted that these statements are based on current evidence and medical
knowledge and there is a paucity of prospective clinical trials
regarding some of the information provided in these documents. These
clinical statements need to be regularly updated with incoming new
clinical data.
Figure 1. Picture representing the wide range of clinical aspects
involved in the pathogenesis of COVID-19.
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Disclosure of conflict of interests:
Dr. Pfaar reports grants and/or personal fees from ALK-Abelló,
Allergopharma, Stallergenes Greer, HAL Allergy Holding B.V./HAL Allergie
GmbH, Bencard Allergie GmbH/Allergy Therapeutics, Lofarma, Biomay,
Circassia, ASIT Biotech Tools S.A., Laboratorios LETI/LETI Pharma, MEDA
Pharma/MYLAN, Anergis S.A., Mobile Chamber Experts (a GA2LEN Partner),
Indoor Biotechnologies, GSK, Astellas Pharma Global, EUFOREA, ROXALL,
NOVARTIS, SANOFI AVENTIS, Med Update Europe GmbH, and streamedup! GmbH.
Dr. Torres has no conflict of interest in relation to this work. Dr.
Akdis reprots grants from Allergopharma, Idorsia, Swiss National Science
Foundation, Christine Kühne-Center for Allergy Research and Education,
European Commission’s Horizon’s 2020 Framework Programme, Cure, Novartis
Research Institutes, AstraZeneca, SciBase, GSK, and other from Sanofi
and Regeneron.