Final answer:
High-dose amoxicillin is the first-line treatment for mild to moderate CAP in previously healthy infants and school-age children. Alternatives like azithromycin or macrolides may be used in cases of penicillin allergy or resistance. Vaccination with pneumococcal vaccines is important for prevention.
Step-by-step explanation:
As a first-line treatment for previously healthy infants and school-age children with mild to moderate community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), high-dose amoxicillin is often recommended. The efficacy of amoxicillin as a treatment for bacterial infections like those caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococci) makes it the drug of choice, especially when beta-lactam resistance is not a primary concern.
When resistance is an issue or when a child has a penicillin allergy, alternatives like azithromycin or other macrolides may be considered. Vaccination is a key preventive measure against certain causes of pneumonia, such as the pneumococcal vaccines PCV13 and PPSV23, which help protect against Streptococcus pneumoniae infection.