The Use of Antimicrobial Agents after Diagnosis of Viral Respiratory Tract Infections in Hospitalized Adults: Antibiotics or Anxiolytics?

Abstract

Antibiotics are commonly used to treat hospitalized patients with known acute viral RTIs. Continued use is strongly associated with abnormal radiograph findings at admission. However, the reasons for continuation of antibiotics in the treatment of the majority of patients with normal radiographs are unclear and may represent inappropriate use.