Antibiotic or no antibiotic?

by Peg Carver

25 November 2009

In the past when I got sick, the first thing I wanted was something to make it better—a medication, perhaps? I tried this approach with a sore throat one year though and, as I feared, I was sent home and told to drink tea, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, and rest. The cause was a virus and there was no magic pill that could help me get back to work, family, and my other responsibilities.

Why is this scenario so common? I know I’m not alone as I’ve heard friends, family, and coworkers all talk about how they went to the doctor for a sniffle or sore throat seeking medication and wound up with nothing but a sympathetic smile and a prescription for rest, fluids, and patience.

The answer is that we may be asking for something that isn’t necessarily right for us. For viral illnesses such as many colds, sore throats, and the flu, medications such as antibiotics will not help. The virus just needs to run its course, which usually takes about seven to 10 days.

There are times when antibiotics are appropriate, however, and that’s for some bacterial infections. Bronchitis, sinusitis, and strep throat are just a couple of illnesses that are sometimes caused by bacteria, and therefore may respond to antibiotics. Bacterial infections can sometimes follow an initial viral infection, so it can be tricky to know what’s behind your symptoms. You need to make sure that you actually have a bacterial infection before you are prescribed—or take—an antibiotic. As you’ve probably heard in the news, overuse of antibiotics can lead to resistance and “super bugs,” which won’t respond to any antibiotics.

So, what is a sick consumer to do? Work with your doctor to determine the cause of your illness and don’t just ask for medications to make you better now—that could hurt you in the long run.

 

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