Singh, PoojaSrivastav, Shashank KumarMittal, AkhilSingh, Mansukhjeet2020-11-182020-11-182020-05Singh Pooja, Srivastav Shashank Kumar, Mittal Akhil, Singh Mansukhjeet. COVID-19, the novel coronavirus 2019: current updates and the future. International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences. 2020 May; 8(5): 1939-19492320-60712320-6012http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/212360COVID-19 is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. It is large, enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus. The clinical features range from the common cold to more severe diseases i.e., MERS and SARS. Incubation period ranges between 1-12.5 days (median 5-6 days). As on 07 March, 2020 total confirmed cases are 1,01,927 with 3486 deaths in 93 countries/territories/areas. The various lab tests for COVID-19 virus are NAAT, serological testing, viral sequencing and viral culture. Many aspects of this virus is still not understood. The authors in this article describe studies to know the pathogenesis as well as immunological response with use of animal methods. Authors also discuss genetic engineering, evaluation of activation and inflammatory activity of myeloid cells during pathogenic human coronavirus, etc. that can help in prevention and treatment of COVID-19 in near future.CoronavirusCOVID-19MERS-CoVSARS-CoVJournal ArticleIndiaSenior Medical Officer, Military Field Hospital, Jammu and Kashmir, IndiaMedical Officer, Military Field Hospital, Jammu and Kashmir, IndiaDental Officer, Military Field Hospital, Jammu and Kashmir, India