The present invention relates to MEK inhibitor, p38 inhibitor and/or NFκB inhibitor for use in a method for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of a co-infection comprising a bacterial infection and an influenza virus infection or a bacterial infection alone. Also provided are compositions comprising such inhibitors for use in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of a co-infection comprising a bacterial infection and an influenza virus infection or a bacterial infection alone. In addition an in vitro test system, wherein the test system comprises cultured cells infected with an influenza virus and a bacterium or with a bacterium alone is provided.