JAMA: 2013-01-16, Vol. 309, No. 3, Author in the Room™ Audio Interview

Interview with Daniel S. Chertow, MD, MPH, author of Bacterial Coinfection in Influenza: A Grand Rounds Review. Summary Points: Influenza vaccine remains the best available tool for prevention of severe influenza illness commonly associated with bacterial coinfection. Early empirical antiviral and antibiotic therapy should be administered to all individuals with suspected coinfection. Vancomycin or linezolid should be administered in addition to standard therapy for community-acquired pneumonia to patients with severe or necrotizing pneumonia and/or evidence of sepsis.