Two independent advances target the twin challenges of drug-resistant bacteria and coronaviruses. One team reported a broad-spectrum infection‑prevention approach capable of blocking antibiotic‑resistant bacteria and influenza, designed for secondary‑infection control in high‑risk clinical settings. The method aims to reduce co‑infection mortality among immunocompromised patients by providing multi‑pathogen surface or host protection. In parallel, researchers identified a class of nicotine‑derived compounds with potent activity against SARS‑CoV‑2 and a range of coronaviruses, describing a potential route to broad‑spectrum antivirals. The nicotine‑derived molecules demonstrate mechanistic breadth that could inform small‑molecule antiviral pipelines targeting conserved coronavirus features. Both findings offer near‑term translational options: infection‑prevention platforms for hospital deployment and lead compounds for broad‑spectrum antiviral programs. Infectious‑disease teams and hospital pharmacy directors should prioritize follow‑up on safety, resistance risk, and delivery modes. Sources: peer articles summarized in press releases and preprints.