Studies have shown that adults are more susceptible to infection than children, especially the elderly with basic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, among whom 80.9% have mild to moderate disease, and the mortality rate of confirmed cases is about 2.3% ( Chang et al., 2020 Wu and McGoogan, 2020). Both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients are communicators however, in the case of symptomatic patients, an increased viral load was observed ( Kim et al., 2020). Moreover, the existing evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infecting intestinal epithelial cells reminds us to focus on the possibility of fecal-oral transmission ( Lamers et al., 2020). SARS-CoV-2 has three types of hosts (natural, intermediate, and final) that can be transmitted between human hosts via respiratory droplets and contact routes ( Li Q. Based on the findings of phylogenetic analysis, SARS-CoV-2 may have originated from bats or bat droppings associated with pollutants in the market or surrounding areas ( Wu F. Understanding the epidemiology of this virus is a key element to develop strategies for preventing COVID-19. Epidemiology of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Additionally, some opinions on the difficulties and solutions to the modernization of TCM in China are expressed. Accordingly, we briefly review the epidemiology, pathogenesis and key targets, multi-organ damage and conventional preventive treatment of SARS-CoV-2, focusing on the application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. As the global COVID-19 pandemic continues to escalate rapidly, an urgent need exists to identify safe and effective drugs or potential adjuvant therapy. COVID-19 is the worst global health crisis since the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, and no specific antiviral agent or effective vaccine has been found ( Gupta et al., 2020). As of August 6, 2020, more than 19 million confirmed cases have been reported across more than 216 countries and territories, resulting in more than 700,000 deaths (according to data from Johns Hopkins University) and causing a great negative impact on peopleвЂ™s health and economic development. We hope that, through the contribution of TCM, combined with modern technological research and the support of our international counterparts, COVID-19 can be effectively controlled and treated.Д¬oronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel and pathogenic coronavirus, has developed into a public health emergency of international concern ( World Health Organization, 2020). We also analyze the current problems associated with the recognition of TCM. Additionally, we describe the application of TCM in the treatment of COVID-19 and the identification of small molecules of TCM that demonstrate anti-coronavirus activity. In this review, we summarize the epidemiology and etiological characteristics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and the prevention and treatment measures of COVID-19.

In China, TCM intervention has helped to control the epidemic however, TCM has not been fully recognized worldwide. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can facilitate syndrome differentiation and treatment according to the clinical manifestations of patients and has demonstrated effectiveness in epidemic prevention and control. Currently, no specific antiviral drugs or clinically effective vaccines are available to prevent and treat COVID-19. The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has been rapidly spreading globally and has caused worldwide social and economic disruption.

6The Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Guangdong Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang, China.

5The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China.

4Guangdong Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China.

3Animal Experiment Center, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China.

2Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China.

1Graduate School, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China.Qin Qiu 1, Yuge Huang 2, Xiaohua Liu 1, Fangfang Huang 1, Xiaoling Li 3, Liao Cui 4, Hui Luo 5 and Lianxiang Luo 5,6 *

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