Short-term systemic corticosteroid use in outpatients has been associated with a small increased risk of sepsis, and IL-6 inhibition outside clinical trials is associated with increased risk of bacterial infection.31, 32 Prospective studies with standardised and comprehensive microbiological sampling before antimicrobial treatment are needed to characterise co-infections and secondary infections in patients with COVID-19. The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is COVID-19.