October 31, 2024
ANTIBIOTIC USE IN RESPIRATORY ILLNESS
With the upcoming fall and winter respiratory season rapidly upon us, we would like to reiterate that antibiotics are often overprescribed for upper respiratory infections (URIs), bronchitis and pharyngitis, even though most are caused by viral infections, which do not respond to antibiotic treatment. Generally, antibiotics are appropriate for sinusitis and strep pharyngitis or other bacterial illnesses.
Strep Pharyngitis:
Acute Bronchitis / URI:
Sinusitis:
In summary, we recommend using clinical judgement in each individual case, and to use this as a guideline for treatment or non-treatment.