COVID-19: Guidelines for pharmacists in South Africa

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, and its declaration as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), the reliance on pharmacists as one of the first points of contact within the healthcare system has been highlighted. This evidence-based review is aimed at providing guidance for pharmacists in community, hospital and other settings in South Africa, on the management of patients with suspected or confirmed coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19. The situation is rapidly evolving, and new evidence continues to emerge on a daily basis. This guidance document takes into account and includes newly available evidence and recommendations, particularly around the following aspects relating to COVID-19: Epidemiology The virus, its modes of transmission and incubation period Symptom identification, including the differentiation between influenza, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis and COVID-19 Social media myths and misinformation Treatment guidelines and medicines that may need to be kept in stock Treatment and prevention options, including an update on vaccine development The case for and against the use of NSAIDs, ACE-inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in patients with COVID-19 Interventions and patient counselling by the pharmacist. It is critical, though, that pharmacists access the most recent and authoritative information to guide their practice. Key websites that can be relied upon are: World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD): https://www.nicd.ac.za/diseases-a-z-index/covid-19/ National Department of Health (NDoH): http://www.health.gov.za/index.php/outbreaks/145-corona-virus-outbreak/465-corona-virus-outbreak; https://sacoronavirus.co.za/