The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued updated clinical management guidelines for COVID-19, recommending against the routine use of antibiotics in both non-severe and severe cases, unless there is a clear suspicion of a bacterial co-infection.
The revised recommendations are based on new evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis, and aim to address the growing concern over antimicrobial resistance.
“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 global health body stated.
The WHO noted that the updated guidance reflects the evolving nature of the pandemic. Compared to the initial response in 2020, the situation in 2024 includes reduced infection rates, lower disease severity, the lifting of emergency measures and greater population immunity through vaccination and prior infection.
Consequently, the organization has also removed several outdated recommendations and general medical principles to maintain clarity and relevance in the current healthcare context.
Despite improvements, WHO warned that the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to infect thousands daily and urged continued vigilance. The updated guidelines are intended for clinicians, allied health professionals, facility managers and hospital administrators involved in the care of COVID-19 and post-COVID patients.
“These recommendations are part of our effort to adapt to the changing landscape of the pandemic and ensure evidence-based treatment that also limits the risk of antimicrobial resistance,” the WHO stated.
