There is no routine head and neck exam during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chan, Jason Y K; Tsang, Raymond K Y; Yeung, K W; Abdullah, Victor; Ku, Peter; Wong, Eddy W Y; Mehta, Nishchay; Orosco, Ryan K et al. · Head Neck · 2020

review · Level V

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Abstract

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.

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