Prevention of bacterial endocarditis

Hello. Please let me know if antibiotics are required for influenza viruses for prevention of endocarditis. I have a myxomatous degeneration of the mitral valve, Grade I, with mild regurgitation. I know I need antibiotics prior to teeth cleaning or any surgery, but I wonder about viruses. I don't want to take antibiotics unnecessarily.  My family has just come down with a mild influenza and I'm the last one to get it. I am coming down with it now. What about being around people with a strep throat? Would I need to take antibiotics for prevention even if I don't feel any symptoms?

Thanks for making this website possible.

Elena

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

No, antibiotics do not treat viruses.  Fortunately, viruses do not affect heart valves.

[elena]

Thanks for your answer, but you forgot to mention about if I'm around people with a strep throat, would I have to take prevention antibiotics or take them only if I get it? My husband suffers from strep throat attacks.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

No, this is not currently recommended by the American Heart Association.

[Dennis E Pawl Largo Fl]

Dear Doctor. My question is; Do I need or should I take a prophylactic like, Amoxicillin before having a BCC removed from my nose area? I had a very successful mvp repair done in Dec.96. I have a BAXTER ANNULOPLASTY  ring installed. This BCC may be deeper than normal and somewhat larger, although the Dermatologist does not think it is to deep.I am a 65 year old man and in excellent condition. I do not take any meds. I was tested for penicillin reaction and passed. However, I donot like to test my reaction to this large amount of penicillin because along with my mvp I had both atrial fib. and tactacardia. I donot want to precipitate a severe reaction. What do you suggest?

[Joana Ruivo]

I would like to know the more recent guidelines for de prevention of de infectious endocarditis.