Join us as part of the John G. Bartlett Memorial Education Series to address Non-COVID respiratory tract infections as we approach the upcoming cold and flu season. While most upper respiratory infections can resolve on their own, lower respiratory tract infections can pose a challenge, especially for infants, the elderly and the immunocompromised. Currently, lower respiratory tract infections are the third leading cause of death in the world after heart disease and stroke and are the leading cause of death in countries of low economic status. While there is a vast amount of learning and research on respiratory tract infections and the microorganisms that cause them, the discussion of scientific facts is constantly evolving. Given the COVID 19 pandemic, measures to prevent the spread of RTIs have become a widely discussed topic. Within laboratory settings, the testing and diagnostics for RTIs have become an even more important topic.
Learning objectives:
* Gain understanding of the pathogenesis, etiology, clinical presentation and treatment of respiratory tract infections.
* Address important topics for professionals involved in laboratory and molecular diagnostic testing for various respiratory tract infection diagnosis, screening and surveillance.
* Empower patients to know when and why it is important to see a health care provider when treating RTIs, in addition to aid in identifying the best practices for supportive home care and what treatments, if any, are needed.
* Identify the benefits and limitations of antibiotic use in treating RTIs.
* Address how vaccines and immunity play an important role in stopping the spread of RTIs.
