Antibiotic overuse in children with viral infections: lessons from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic - Takeaways - MDSpire

Antibiotic overuse in children with viral infections: lessons from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

  • By

  • Juliane Wurm

  • Michael Buettcher

  • Eric Giannoni

  • Lisa Kottanattu

  • Guido F Laube

  • Anita Niederer-Loher

  • Nina Schöbi

  • Jessica Wey

  • Petra Zimmermann

  • Nicole Ritz

  • June 10, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    30% of hospitalized children with SARS-CoV-2 received antibiotics, often without evidence of bacterial infection.

  • 2

    Predictors of antibiotic use included confirmed bacterial infection, suspected infection, and certain comorbidities.

  • 3

    Symptoms like respiratory distress were associated with lower antibiotic use, indicating diagnostic uncertainty.

  • 4

    The study highlights the need for improved antimicrobial stewardship in pediatric care during viral infections.

  • 5

    Findings suggest that institutional habits and cognitive biases may contribute to unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.

Original Source(s)

Antibiotic overuse in children with viral infections: lessons from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

  • by Juliane Wurm, Michael Buettcher, Eric Giannoni, Lisa Kottanattu, Guido F Laube, Anita Niederer-Loher, Nina Schöbi, Jessica Wey, Petra Zimmermann, Nicole Ritz

  • June 10, 2026

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