Azithromycin is recommended as an option for first-line treatment
Doxycycline or a respiratory fluoroquinolone should be instituted in most uncomplicated cases
Fidaxomicin is now indicated as a primary treatment option
Antibiotic use is frequently ineffective, given that most cases are viral
Temperature >101.1°F (38.39°C)
Facial pain lasting 3 days or longer
Worsening symptoms after an illness lasting 5 days had begun improving
Persistent symptoms lasting longer than 10 days
Colored sputum indicates bacterial infection necessitating antibiotic treatment
Longer cough duration suggests a need for antibiotic treatment
Suspicion of pneumonia is the primary indication to initiate antibiotic treatment
Routine chest x-ray is indicated in all cases to determine the need for antibiotic treatment
Antihistamines and nasal saline irrigation are proven treatments for cold symptom relief
NSAIDs are contraindicated if antibiotic treatment is initiated
A change in nasal discharge color is an indication for antibiotic initiation
Educate patients that symptoms may last as long as 2 weeks and do not initiate antibiotics
First-line treatment includes azithromycin and clindamycin
Initiation of antibiotic treatment prior to the results of a rapid antigen detection test is recommended in symptomatic patients
Penicillin V remains a first-line therapy due to its reliable antibiotic activity against group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal (GAS) infection
Severe, persistent sore throat alone is an indication for antibiotic therapy
Wait!
Here's an interesting quiz for you.