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Antibiotic Treatment for Influenza does not Affect Resolution of Illness, Secondary Visits or Lost Workdays

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Abstract

Antibiotics are common prescribed against influenza, although no trials of their efficacy have been published. We compared clinical and societal outcomes in 701 patients (56% flu-positive) according to use of antibiotics. The median duration of illness, rate of secondary visits, and lost workdays did not differ between antibiotic and non-antibiotic treated patients. Antibiotics are unnecessary expenses in the initial treatment of influenza, as they can give potential side-effects and contribute to spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

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Carrat, F., Schwarzinger, M., Housset, B. et al. Antibiotic Treatment for Influenza does not Affect Resolution of Illness, Secondary Visits or Lost Workdays. Eur J Epidemiol 19, 703–705 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:EJEP.0000036807.40105.97

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:EJEP.0000036807.40105.97

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