Consider immediate antibiotics if > 80yr and ONE of: hospitalisation in past year, oral steroids, diabetic, congestive heart failure, serious neurological disorder/stroke OR > 65yrs with 2 of above.
Consider CRP test if antibiotic being considered.
If CRP<20mg/L and symptoms for >24 hours - no antibiotics, 20-100mg/L delayed, CRP >100mg/L immediate antibiotics.
If treatment failure, send sputum samples for sensitivity testing.
Antibiotic of little benefit if no co-morbidity.
Consider 7 day delayed antibiotic with advice.
Symptom resolution can take 3 weeks.
Consider immediate antibiotics if > 80yr and ONE of: hospitalisation in past year, oral steroids, diabetic, congestive heart failure, serious neurological disorder/stroke OR > 65yrs with 2 of above.
Consider CRP test if antibiotic being considered.
If CRP<20mg/L and symptoms for >24 hours - no antibiotics, 20-100mg/L delayed, CRP >100mg/L immediate antibiotics.
If treatment failure, send sputum samples for sensitivity testing.