Author: Shaun Ajay
For many serious childhood infections that initially require hospitalization, treatment is started in the hospital but is often completed at home once the child is on the mend. In many cases, the treatment period at home is equal to or even longer than the time in the hospital.
A common belief that the best way to complete therapy after hospitalization is through IV therapy. The reason we believe this is more effective for at-home treatment is because the medication is delievered directly to the bloodstream rather than being absorbed through the stomach.
However, a study by Adam Hersh, MD, PhD, an associate professor in the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, shows that oral intake of medication is equally efficient and not only eased the burden of home-based therapy for patients and families, these changes led to reduced costs, and fewer adverse events with no change in our cure rates.
You can read more about the research here.