The paediatric population still receives too many prescriptions of antibiotics to “treat” viral infections that actually have spontaneous resolution. The Italian study conducted in the context of primary care in different Italian regions using the Pedianet database evaluated the prescription profile of antibiotics during the Covid-19 pandemic. There was a reduction in the transmission of the most common respiratory infections with a consequent overall decrease in the prescriptive profile of antibiotics. In parallel, however, prescriptive appropriateness has not improved, with an increase in the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics according to the "AWaRe" WHO classification (Access, Watch, Reserve).
Continuing medical education, the diffusion of guidelines - parallel to the discussion of clinical cases - and the comparison between peers are factors that can reduce the variability of prescription and can lead to an improvement in the overall use of antibiotics. The foregoing is intended to reduce the phenomenon of antibiotic resistance that is a significant public health problem.