Many viral and bacterial respiratory illnesses have overlapping symptoms. It can often be challenging for pediatricians to determine a child’s diagnosis, which affects how the child should be treated. Dr. Gigi Chawla, chief of general pediatrics, spoke to Healio on how conflicts in testing recommendations may make differentiating between bacterial and viral illnesses difficult. Dr. Anupama Kalaskar, a pediatric infectious disease specialist, also weighed in on the challenges of testing, stating that the setting and epidemiology of the disease affect which tests can be used. According to Dr. Chawla, in a perfect setting, tests would be cost-effective, deliver high-quality results and optimize clinics’ efficiency, which is challenging for outpatient practices. Read the full article: Viral, bacterial diagnostics bolster antimicrobial stewardship.
Dr. Gigi Chawla and Dr. Anupama Kalaskar weigh in on challenges in diagnosing viral and bacterial respiratory illnesses in children
- By Alexandra Erritt
Choosing Children’s Minnesota
Children’s Minnesota offers a breadth of services to get the health care your child needs, because we care about your child’s health and well-being.
Popular Categories
Choosing Children’s Minnesota
Children’s Minnesota offers a breadth of services to get the health care your child needs, because we care about your child’s health and well-being.
Popular Categories
Recent Stories
More news stories

After being diagnosed with leukemia at 16, Stephen found expert care and support through Children’s Minnesota’s adolescent and young adult cancer program....

Binta navigates life with sickle cell disease with strength, learning to manage her health and advocate for herself with support from Children’s Minnesota....

James Burroughs reflects on his father and the powerful lessons that shaped his commitment to equity and inclusion at Children's Minnesota....