Infectious Diseases

Evidence review does not support antibiotics for pediatric respiratory complications
Antibiotics are often prescribed for young children who have upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) in order to prevent complications, such as ear infections and pneumonia, however, a new evidence review in The Cochrane Library found no evidence to support this practice. MedicalXpress

Eardrops More Effective Than Oral Antibiotics for Tympanostomy-Tube Otorrhea
Eardrops containing antibiotics and hydrocortisone are more effective than oral antibiotics for managing uncomplicated otorrhea in children with tympanostomy tubes, a New England Journal of Medicine study finds. Journal Watch

Seasonal flu vaccine may cut stroke risk
Academics from the University of Lincoln and The University of Nottingham in the UK discovered that patients who had been vaccinated against influenza were 24% less likely to suffer a stroke in the same flu season. Their findings are reported in the scientific journal Vaccine. MedicalXpress