September 29, 2025- We all recognize the seriousness of infections we see right before us like influenza, strep, other respiratory and skin infections. While these acute infections are easy to identify – and for the most part self-limiting or easily treated – even the most obvious infections can lead to severe morbidity and long-term complications.
In addition, our customers recognize the differences in treatment programs posed by bacterial rather than viral infections. It is widely recognized that even these common seasonal infections can bring serious complications. While influenza is viral and antibacterials have no effect on it, group A strep is bacterial and can be effectively treated with antibacterials. Untreated group A strep respiratory infections can also lead to rheumatic fever and even rheumatic heart disease. Group A strep can also proceed to become invasive leading to very serious complications including streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and flesh-eating disease (necrotizing fasciitis). Influenza infections particularly in the elder population can lead to pneumonia and death.
In this column, Jim Poggi explores initial diagnoses of the obvious infections we usually think of, consider careful follow up of these infections to avoid serious complications, and then discuss the next level of “silent infections,” ones that usually remain asymptomatic until they become very serious. As valued consultants to our customers, we need to stay on top of the issues they encounter daily, and infectious diseases, obvious or occult (not obvious) are a part of their daily lives. Let’s come up to speed on these infections and the diagnostic tools we offer.
Continue Reading in the latest issue of Repertoire Magazine.