Viral-associated septic shock in pediatric pneumonia: a retrospective analysis of pathogen-specific risks and comparative clinical features with bacterial sepsis

FluA and RSV are the key viral pathogens that predispose pediatric pneumonia patients to septic shock. Rapid viral polymerase chain reaction testing enables early pathogen identification, facilitating antibiotic de-escalation when bacterial coinfection is unlikely and promoting precise, safe antimicrobial stewardship.