Suspected COVID-19 Pneumonia

NHSL Antimicrobial Guidelines
NHS Lanarkshire

Antibiotics are rarely indicated as bacterial co-infection is uncommon in COVID-19 pneumonia.

Bacterial co-infection is suggested if purulent (green/brown) sputum.

Antibiotics are only recommended if bacterial pneumonia is strongly suspected and may be appropriate in bacterial infective exacerbation of COPD.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 20/06/2022

Next review date: 18/05/2025

Author(s): NHS Lanarkshire Antimicrobial Management Committee, Dr Dundas, Dr Hylands, S McCormick, Heather Boyle.

Version: V1

Approved By: AMC; ADTC

Reviewer name(s): NHS Lanarkshire Antimicrobial Management Committee.

Document Id: June 2022