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WHO Updates COVID-19 Guidelines: Advises Against Use Of Antibiotics In Mild Cases

WHO strongly advises against antibiotics for mild COVID-19 unless bacterial infection is suspected, to prevent resistance. For severe cases, use is only conditional. Guidelines aim for rational use.

In its revised clinical care guidelines for COVID-19, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a strong recommendation against the use of antibiotics in patients with mild COVID-19, unless there is clinical suspicion of a concurrent bacterial infection. The advisory is based on emerging evidence and the evolving epidemiological profile of the virus.

The global health body noted that while the recommendation is robust for mild cases, it is a conditional one for patients with severe COVID-19 in whom no bacterial co-infection is suspected.

“These recommendations are grounded in a recent systematic review and meta-analysis, and reflect the growing need to address antimicrobial resistance,” the WHO stated. The update forms part of the broader effort to ensure rational antibiotic use and minimise the risk of drug-resistant infections.

The guidelines are intended for a wide range of stakeholders involved in the care of COVID-19 patients and those with post–COVID-19 conditions — including clinicians, allied healthcare personnel, facility managers, and hospital administrators.

“For patients with non-severe COVID-19 and a low clinical suspicion of a concurrent bacterial infection, we recommend no empirical antibiotics,” the guidelines state. A similar advisory is extended to severe COVID-19 patients under the same clinical conditions.

Empirical antibiotic use refers to the practice of prescribing antibiotics before the specific pathogen is identified — a common approach in emergency scenarios where delays in treatment could lead to complications.

The WHO clarified that the new recommendations stem from a comprehensive reassessment of clinical outcomes and are in line with the significant reduction in infection rates and severity observed globally in recent months. “COVID-19 care is now increasingly integrated with regular health systems, as emergency measures are lifted,” the agency said.

Dr. Sangeeta Sharma, Professor of Neuropsychopharmacology at the Institute of Human Behaviour & Allied Sciences (IHBAS), and President, Delhi Society for Promotion of Rational Use of Drugs (DSPRUD), emphasised that the WHO reiteration reinforces responsible antibiotic stewardship.

“Mild cases of COVID-19 typically do not require antibiotic treatment. Inappropriate use not only poses unnecessary risk of side effects but also contributes significantly to the global burden of antimicrobial resistance,” Dr. Sharma said.

The latest iteration of the WHO’s guidelines is the result of ongoing evaluation and aims to reflect the shifting nature of the pandemic. “In order to maintain clarity and clinical relevance, general medical recommendations and those no longer specific to COVID-19 have been removed,” the organisation added.

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The guidelines align with similar advisories issued by national governments discouraging the use of antibiotics and plasma therapy in the routine treatment of adult COVID-19 patients.

Published At:
US