[Practical aspects of care for a critically ill COVID-19 infected patient in need of respiratory support]

In December 2019, an outbreak of a new type of pneumonia was reported from the Chinese city of Wuhan, caused by a new coronavirus. The disease, which initially spread from animal to human, later spread from person to person, causing a pandemic. Viral disease (COVID-19) can present in a variety of forms, from asymptomatic to mildly symptomatic with severe, respiratory failure, requiring intensive care. The care of the latter group of patients places a significant burden on health care. The purpose of this summary is to present the practical aspects of caring for patients requiring intensive care and respiratory support / mechanical ventilation. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161 (17): 678-684.