Do you really need that antibiotic?

Antibiotic FAQs

Shouldn’t I go to the doctor when I’m sick?

Even if you don’t need an antibiotic, you should still see your doctor when you are ill, especially if you have any of these symptoms:

Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
Fever higher than 102º F
Severe headache or stiff neck
Earache
Fluid draining from your eyes or ears
Wheezing, whistling, or rumbling in your chest
A cold that lasts longer than 10 days
A cough or sore throat that won’t go away
An unusual rash
Coughing up discolored mucus

What if I want to take an antibiotic just in case?

Bacteria can get used to antibiotics. This is called resistance. If bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, then antibiotics will not make you better when you really DO need them. You should also be aware that antibiotics can have side effects, such as stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and yeast infections.

If my doctor says I need an antibiotic, how can I make sure I get the most benefit?

Follow your doctor’s directions. Use the entire prescription, even if you start to feel better after only a couple of doses. Bacteria may still be in your system even after your symptoms go away.

Are there any medications that can help ease a cold or the flu?

There is no cure for a cold or the flu, except time. But many over-the-counter medicines can make you more comfortable.

Pain relievers ease body aches.
Cough medicine helps ease your cough.
Expectorants help loosen mucus in your chest.
Decongestants shrink the swelling in your nose.

If you are already taking prescription drugs, be careful about taking other medications. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which over-the-counter remedies are safe for you. Talk to your child’s doctor before giving him or her any type of cold medicine, especially if your child is younger than two.

Did you ever wonder why people get sick more often during the winter? Despite what you’ve heard, it’s not because it’s cold or you catch a chill. People get sick more often during the winter because they stay indoors with other people for longer periods of time. We close up our homes, offices, and schools to keep in the warmth. But we also keep in the germs that make us sick.

Many people ask their doctor for an antibiotic when they are sick, thinking it will help them get better quickly. But antibiotics do not work on colds or the flu or on any other type of viral illness. Antibiotics only work when it is bacteria that are making you sick. Only your doctor can tell you if you have a viral or a bacterial infection. Taking an antibiotic for a viral infection will not make you feel better sooner, and it could have lasting consequences, including making your body antibiotic-resistant.