[Avoid unnecessary tests and treatments in primary care infectious diseases].

Abstract

In general medicine, certain common practices are unnecessary and may harm patients. For example, urine cultures should be avoided in asymptomatic patients, except during pregnancy or before invasive urological procedures. Antibiotics should not be prescribed for upper respiratory tract infections and fluoroquinolones should not be used as first-line treatment for cystitis. Nasopharyngeal swabs should not be performed for viruses with no therapeutic implications. Procalcitonin testing must be reserved for the management of respiratory infections to help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use. HIV screening should be considered in cases of pharyngitis, and Lyme serology testing should be avoided for patients with unexplained chronic fatigue.