On Dec 31, 2019, a number of viral pneumonia cases were reported in China. The virus causing pneumonia was then identified as a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Since this time, the infection called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread around the world, causing huge stress for health care systems. To diagnose this infection, throat and nose swabs are taken. Unfortunately, the results often take more than 24 hrs to return from a laboratory. Speeding diagnosis up would be of great help. This study aims to look at the breath to find signs that might allow clinicians to diagnose the coronavirus infection at the bedside, without needing to send samples to the laboratory. To do this, the team will be using a machine called a BreathSpec which has been adapted to fit in the hospital for this purpose.
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To perform a study in patients with clinical features of pneumonia/chest infection to identify a signature of Covid-19 pneumonia in patients exposed to SARS-CoV-2, compared to unexposed patients or those without.
Timeframe: up to daily during hospital admission