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News18
8 hours ago
- News18
WHO updates recommendations on use of antibiotics for COVID-19 patients
New Delhi, Aug 6 (PTI) The WHO has recommended against the use of antibiotics even in patients with severe Covid when a concurrent bacterial infection is not suspected. The global health body has released updated recommendations for the clinical management of people with Covid which, it said, are based on evidence generated from recent meta-analysis of outcomes of patients treated with antibiotics for Covid. 'For patients with non-severe COVID-19 and a low clinical suspicion of a concurrent bacterial infection, we recommend no empirical antibiotics. For patients with severe COVID-19 and a low clinical suspicion of a concurrent bacterial infection, we suggest no empirical antibiotics," the WHO said. The WHO said that as COVID-19 epidemiology and severity have changed, and as emergency measures have subsided, the evidence behind a number of recommendations has changed. In parallel, evolution of health systems and the global environment have meant that the recommendations are implemented in a very different context in 2024 compared to 2020. These guidelines have evolved from the first version in 2020 in line with new information and changing circumstances of the pandemic, the WHO said. 'Notable changes to COVID-19 disease over this time have been overall reduced infection rates and reduced disease severity. Emergency measures which were imposed have also been removed, and care for patients with COVID-19 has become more integrated with usual healthcare systems. 'This different environment has prompted a review of the scope and content of all existing guidance. In order to maintain a clear focus and relevance, we have removed recommendations which would be considered general medical principles, and those which are no longer specific to the management of COVID-19," the WHO said. The new recommendations on use of antibiotics were prompted by the publication of data from a systematic review and meta-analysis, and the pressing need to address antimicrobial resistance. The WHO said that the updated guidelines are for people directly or indirectly involved in the health care of patients with COVID-19 and post COVID-19 condition. This includes clinicians, allied health care workers, facility managers and hospital administrators. The SARS-CoV-2 continues to infect several thousands of people daily leading to preventable morbidity and mortality across the world, the WHO said. The roll-out of vaccines and treatment for COVID-19, and increasing population immunity from infection has substantially reduced hospitalization, severity of disease, and mortality. 'However, the virus continues to evolve in terms of infectivity, immune escape, and disease severity. This guideline robustly and transparently addresses the changing landscape and evidence availability, and the continual development of treatment and management strategies for COVID-19," the WHO stated. PTI PLB ZMN view comments First Published: August 06, 2025, 22:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Hindu
9 hours ago
- The Hindu
WHO updates COVID-19 guidelines: antibiotics advised only with suspected bacterial infection
World Health Organization (WHO), in its updated COVID-19 clinical care guidelines, has advised against the use of antibiotics when a bacterial co-infection is not suspected. 'This is a strong recommendation for patients with mild COVID-19, and a weaker or conditional one for patients with severe COVID-19,' it noted. The recommendations are based on new evidence as well as changes in the disease's spread and severity. 'Recommendations about the use of antibiotics in COVID-19 patients are based on a recent systematic review and meta-analysis, and the pressing need to address antimicrobial resistance,' said WHO. The updated guidelines are aimed at people directly or indirectly involved in the healthcare of patients with COVID-19 and post–COVID-19 conditions. This includes clinicians, allied healthcare workers, facility managers, and hospital administrators. In its note, WHO said that there are two new recommendations about the use of antibiotics which follow from a recent meta-analysis of outcomes in patients treated with antibiotics for COVID-19. 'For patients with non-severe COVID-19 and a low clinical suspicion of a concurrent bacterial infection, we recommend no empirical antibiotics,' it said. Empirical antibiotics are medications prescribed to treat infections before the specific cause (type of bacteria or other microorganism) is identified. This approach is used when the infection is severe or when waiting for lab results would cause significant harm to patients. Also, WHO added that for patients with severe COVID-19 and a low clinical suspicion of a concurrent bacterial infection, they suggest no empirical antibiotics. WHO further added that these guidelines have evolved from the first version in 2020 in line with new information and changing circumstances of the pandemic. 'Notable changes to COVID-19 disease over this time have been overall reduced infection rates and reduced disease severity. Emergency measures which were imposed have also been removed, and care for patients with COVID-19 has become more integrated with usual healthcare systems. This different environment has prompted a review of the scope and content of all existing guidance. In order to maintain a clear focus and relevance, we have removed recommendations which would be considered general medical principles, and those which are no longer specific to the management of COVID-19,' it said.
Hindustan Times
12 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
New COVID variant Stratus haunting US: What are the symptoms? Here's all you need to know
One COVID variant, 'Stratus', that has become increasingly popular in the United States during this summer and is being widely monitored by health professionals. The Stratus variant (XFG) of COVID-19 is now the third most common in the U.S., with a 14% share of cases. REUTERS/Michele Tantussi/File Photo(REUTERS) Known officially as XFG, the variant was first detected in Southeast Asia back in January. For months, it flew under the radar in the States, barely any reported cases. However, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) detailed XFG accounted for 14% of all U.S. cases by late June, making it the third most common variant in circulation. The World Health Organization (WHO) has added XFG to its monitoring list but describes the variant's global public health risk as 'low.' The good news: WHO says that current COVID-19 vaccines are still 'expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease.' ALSO READ| New COVID variant bizarre symptoms: What treatments are available and how you can protect yourself What is Stratus (XFG) and how is it different? XFG is a recombinant strain, meaning it's a blend of two earlier variants: F.7 and LP.8.1.2 (the latter is now the second most common strain in the U.S.). So, what makes XFG different? Scientists say it may have mutations that help it dodge the immune system more easily. But that doesn't mean it spreads faster. 'There is currently no clear evidence that XFG causes more severe disease or significantly different symptoms than earlier Omicron variants,' Dr. Subhash Verma, professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Nevada, Reno. told USA Today. 'Importantly, there are no immediate public health concerns associated with this variant.' How fast is Stratus (XFG) spreading? While it hasn't overtaken the top two variants, XFG made up 0% of U.S. cases in March, climbed to 2% in April, 6% in May, and 14% by late June, according to the CDC. WHO reported a similar spike globally, from 7.4% of cases in early May to 22.7% by the end of June across 38 countries. ALSO READ| Moderna to cut 10% global staff as Covid vaccine sales keep falling What are the symptoms? The CDC continues to list common COVID symptoms such as: Fever or chills Cough Fatigue Sore throat Loss of taste or smell Congestion Muscle aches Shortness of breath Headache Nausea or vomiting
