Avoid Antibiotics for Acute Bronchitis and Other Viruses

July 20, 2026

With back-to-school and cold and flu season approaching, we encourage you to talk with our members about taking antibiotics only when needed. Antibiotics don’t work against viruses, which are often the cause of acute bronchitis, colds and flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . They only treat certain bacterial infections. 

Why avoid antibiotics

  • At least 28% of antibiotics prescribed each year in provider offices, urgent care centers and emergency departments aren’t needed .
  • Antibiotics can cause side effects ranging from minor to severe, including rash, diarrhea, yeast infections and allergic reactions.
  • Antibiotics also give bacteria a chance to become more resistant to them, making future infections harder to treat. More than 35,000 people die each year in the U.S. from antibiotic-resistant infections .

Closing care gaps: We track the quality measure Avoidance of Antibiotic Treatment for Acute Bronchitis/Bronchiolitis from the National Committee for Quality Assurance. It measures the appropriate treatment for acute bronchitis/bronchiolitis, meaning antibiotics weren’t prescribed.

Refer to our Quality Care 2026 booklet for information on documentation and coding for AAB and other quality measures. You can access it in Availity® Essentials within our Payer Spaces in the resources section. 

Tips to consider: The CDC suggests alternatives to antibiotics for acute bronchitis and other conditions . These include:

  • Adequate rest and increased fluids
  • Using a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer
  • Inhaling hot shower steam or other sources of hot vapor
  • Throat lozenges for adults and children age 5 years and older
  • Over-the-counter medications to treat symptoms

Consider sharing information with our members, such as these handouts from the CDC . They explain that viruses, not bacteria, cause colds and flu.

More resources

  • Children’s and adult wellness guidelines 
  • Preventive care guidelines  
  • Clinical practice guidelines 

For Turquoise Care providers: Refer to Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment for more information on comprehensive and preventive health care service requirements for Medicaid-eligible children under age 21, including a well-child visits tip sheet. 

 

The above material is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the independent medical judgment of a physician or other health care provider. Physicians and other health care providers are encouraged to use their own medical judgment based upon all available information and the condition of the patient in determining the appropriate course of treatment. References to other third-party sources or organizations are not a representation, warranty or endorsement of such organization. The fact that a service or treatment is described in this material is not a guarantee that the service or treatment is a covered benefit and members should refer to their certificate of coverage for more details, including benefits, limitations and exclusions. Regardless of benefits, the final decision about any service or treatment is between the member and their health care provider.