COVID-19 rapid guideline: antibiotics for pneumonia in adults in hospital [NG173], NICE (published 1st May 2020)

The guideline emphasises the importance of careful antibiotic prescribing and prompt review after testing. It is important to note that during the COVID ‑19 pandemic, most cases of pneumonia have been viral and therefore antibiotics are ineffective unless there is a bacterial co-infection. For patients with suspected or confirmed bacterial pneumonia, a broad-spectrum antibiotic should be given as soon as possible unless there is significant confid ence about the absence of bacterial co-infection.
Source: Current Awareness Service for Health (CASH) - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news