Analysis of seasonal variation of antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract diagnoses in primary care practices

Seasonal fluctuations in prescribing have been demonstrated with wintertime peaks and summertime nadirs for certain diagnoses, including for RTDs. At least some of the increased prescribing for RTDs in the winter months is likely inappropriate. Because these increases in antibiotic prescribing may drive antibiotic resistance, further understanding of seasonal prescribing patterns is vital to antibiotic stewardship efforts broadly.

Increases in antibiotic prescribing for RTD visits from summer to winter were likely driven by shifts in diagnoses as well as increases in prescribing for certain diagnoses. At least some of this increased prescribing was inappropriate.