Respiratory Virus Testing (S8 Ep. 56)

Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.  In the depths of respiratory virus season, providers often order unnecessary tests that won't alter the course of treatment for the child presenting with upper respiratory symptoms.  This episode covers 5 common pathogens, the indications to test a child presenting with symptoms, and how to talk to families requesting tests.  

References:

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Frost, H. M., & Hersh, A. L. (2022). Rethinking Our Approach to Management of Acute Otitis Media. JAMA pediatrics, 176(5), 439–440. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2021.6575

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Liu, J. W., Lin, S. H., Wang, L. C., Chiu, H. Y., & Lee, J. A. (2021). Comparison of Antiviral Agents for Seasonal Influenza Outcomes in Healthy Adults and Children: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis. JAMA network open, 4(8), e2119151. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.19151

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Stanford Medicine. (2022). Common cold in children. Retrieved from https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=upper-respiratory-infection-uri-or-common-cold-90-P02966

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