Don’t Jump to Antibiotics for Acute Infectious Diarrhea

We’re getting questions about how to manage acute infectious diarrhea...since most cases are viral and don’t need antibiotics.

Advise patients that it’s usually self-limiting...to stay hydrated...and to resume their usual diet as tolerated.

Suggest the patient’s preferred fluids (water, broth, etc) or diluted half-strength apple juice for mild diarrhea...or oral rehydration solution (Pedialyte, etc) if diarrhea is more severe.