Viral and atypical pneumonias.

Latham-Sadler, B A; Morell, V W · Prim Care · 1996

review · Level V

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Abstract

Acute respiratory infections are the most common illnesses in the pediatric age group. Although pneumonia accounts for only 10% to 15% of all respiratory infections, it causes significant morbidity and mortality among children. Even in the age of multigenerational antibiotics and ever-emerging antiviral agents the recognition, differentiation, and treatment of pneumonia in the pediatric age group continues to be a challenge. The focus of this article is limited to viral and atypical pneumonias. Viral or Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection has been detected in 17% to 31% of outpatient pneumonias studied.

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