This scenario is common and happens in many a doctor’s office. A patient with cold or flu like symptoms goes to the doctor expecting an antibiotic. The doctor explains that symptoms are likely a viral infection and sends the patient home. In some instances the patient may push the doctor for a prescription. This patient doesn’t understand that antibiotics can cure bacterial infections, but not viral infections (such as a cold and the flu).
So what’s the harm in taking an antibiotic anyway?
- Treating a cold or flu (viral infection) with antibiotics doesn’t work. In fact it increases the likelihood that the person will become ill with an antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection.
- According to the CDC, reactions to antibiotics are the most common cause of child emergency department visits for adverse drug events. Antibiotic overuse increases the development of drug resistant germs.
What Can You Do?
- Only take antibiotics prescribed for you.
- Take the entire prescription even if you’re feeling better. This way the infection won’t come right back.
- Practice self-care by drinking plenty of fluids and eating healthy foods, including good old-fashioned chicken soup.
It is estimated that more than 50% of antibiotics are unnecessarily prescribed in office settings. It will be many years before new antibiotics are available to treat some resistant infections, so we need to reduce the use of antibiotics that are currently available.