Using EHRs to determine which viruses are active in a particular area could help reduce the number of unnecessary prescriptions written for antibiotics, according to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Researchers found that health care providers are less likely to prescribe antibiotics, which are ineffective against viral infections, when they are aware that influenza and other viruses are actively circulating locally.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/...8751DO20120806