Association of Changes in Seasonal Respiratory Virus Activity and Ambulatory Antibiotic Prescriptions With the COVID-19 Pandemic

Study in US demonstrated marked decrease in respiratory virus detections, with a concomitant 79% decline (from 10.5 to 2.2 prescriptions per 1000 patient encounters; p < 0.001) in ambulatory antibiotic prescribing rates for respiratory tract infections during COVID-19 pandemic.

SPS commentary:

Based on these data, the researchers suggest COVID-19 transmission mitigation strategies may help curb respiratory viral diseases beyond SARS-CoV-2 and, indirectly, decrease antibiotic prescribing, which may have important implications for future stewardship and public health strategies.

JAMA Internal Medicine