Common pathogens include: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenza & Moraxella catarrhalis.
Collect sputum cultures for patients with alcohol abuse, structural lung disease, cavitary infiltrates, severe illness, or recent antibiotic use.
Collect a nasopharyngeal swab in hospitalized patients with viral prodome or influenza like illness.
Collect blood cultures for patients with severe CAP, immunocompromise, lung cavitation, chronic liver disease.
Perform a severity assessment using the CRB-65 score.
Duration of treatment should be a minimum of 5 days
Patient should be offered influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations prior to discharge if applicable
