Swallowing Rehabilitation During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Abstract

In the past few years, the prevalent emergence of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has resulted in significant repercussions on society, prompting the urgent implementation of infection control measures in general medical practices.

Medical professionals who provide dysphagia rehabilitation in close proximity can be at a high risk of transmitting the COVID-19 virus. Both non-swallowing (indirect) and swallowing (direct) exercises involve direct contact with a patient’s oral mucosa and secretions, and exposure to droplets/aerosols that can be generated by coughing and sneezing. Therefore, appropriate infection prevention measures, including using personal protective equipment (PPE), hand hygiene, and disinfection of environmental surfaces and equipment, should be implemented during dysphagia rehabilitation. During this period, medical professionals demonstrated unwavering commitment by proactively acquiring and applying specialized knowledge in infection control, alongside implementing creative enhancements in training, all aimed at delivering essential medical services while adhering to proper infection control measures.

In this review, I outline the implementation of swallowing rehabilitation during the COVID-19 outbreak, including trends in dysphagia in COVID-19 patients. Additionally, as a reminder, I detail medical countermeasures with a focus on addressing the novel coronavirus infection.