Aspiration Pneumonia

CONSIDER POSSIBILITY OF COVID-19 IN ALL PATIENTS WITH PNEUMONIA

Clinical features

Community or Hospital Acquired Infection, where aspiration of stomach contents is suspected

CURB-65 scoring does NOT apply

Investigations

• Blood culture if starting IV therapy
• Culture of expectorated sputum (NOT saliva)

Infection Control

Basic universal precautionsTreatment

Treat as for Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia and add:

METRONIDAZOLE IV 500mg 8 hourly

Or if oral treatment possible:

METRONIDAZOLE PO 400mg 8 hourly

Duration 5-7 days total