CONTINUING EDUCATION :: RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS AND ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP
Viruses or Bacteria What’s got you sick?
Antibiotics are often prescribed when they are not needed for respiratory infections. Antibiotics are only needed for treating certain infections caused by bacteria. Viral illnesses cannot be treated with antibiotics. When an antibiotic is not prescribed, ask your healthcare professional for tips on how to relieve symptoms and feel better.
Common Cause
Common Respiratory Infections
Virus Common cold/runny nose Sore throat (except strep) COVID-19 Flu
Bronchitis/chest cold (in otherwise healthy children and adults)*
Middle ear infection Sinus infection Strep throat Whooping cough
Virus or Bacteria Bacteria
Are
Antibiotics Needed?
No No No No No* Maybe Maybe Yes Yes * Studies show that in otherwise healthy children and adults, antibiotics for bronchitis won’t help patients feel better.
To learn more about antibiotic prescribing and use, visit
www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use.
CS328461-A Figure 1.17
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the introduction of new methods to diagnose and treat viruses, and greatly heightened awareness of diagnostic stewardship programs. It also highlight- ed the clinical utility of multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, or syndromic diagnostic testing for infectious
8 | SEPTEMBER 2023
MLO-ONLINE.COM
diseases. The ability to deliver a rapid and accurate diagnosis has significantly changed the way infectious disease clinicians and laboratorians manage patients and optimize workflow. Accurate, earlier diagnoses also enable more precise therapeutic decisions and infectious control measures.6
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