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Cold, Flu, and Antibiotics
Colds, flu, and most sore throats and bronchitis are caused by viruses. Antibiotics do not help
fight viruses. And they may do more harm than good: taking antibiotics when they are not
needed — and cannot treat the illness — increases the risk of a resistant infection later.
Always consult with your healthcare provider about prescription drugs.
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Antibiotics Are Not for Colds and Flu
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Most infections are caused by two main types of germs — bacteria and viruses.
- Bacteria are organisms found almost anywhere, except normally sterile sites, such as
the blood stream and spinal fluid. A few bacteria, known as pathogens, can cause
diseases in humans, animals, and plants.
- Viruses are organisms that cause disease by invading healthy host cells. As virus
particles multiply, the host cells burst, allowing the viruses to infect other cells.
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Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses. |
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Antibiotics will not cure upper respiratory viral illnesses, such as:
- Colds or flu (anti-flu drugs are available that may help with the flu)
- Most coughs and bronchitis
- Sore throats not caused by strep
- Runny noses
Other medications may be prescribed or recommended by your doctor for relief of symptoms.
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Tens of millions of antibiotics prescribed in doctors' offices each year are for viral infections,
which cannot effectively be treated with antibiotics. Doctors cite diagnostic uncertainty, time
pressure on physicians, and patient demand as the primary reasons why antibiotics are
over-prescribed.
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Taking antibiotics for viral infections — such as a cold, cough, the flu and most bronchitis —
will not:
- Cure the infections
- Keep other individuals from catching the illness
- Help a person feel better
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Taking antibiotics for viral infections will increase the risk of antibiotic resistance.
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The spread of viral infections can be reduced through frequent hand washing and by
avoiding close contact with others.
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What To Do For Colds And Flu
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Children and adults with viral infections recover when the illness has run its course. Colds
caused by viruses may last for two weeks or longer.
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Measures that can help a person with a cold or flu feel better:
- Increase fluid intake
- Use a cool mist vaporizer or saline nasal spray to relieve congestion
- Soothe throat with ice chips, sore throat spray, or lozenges (for older children and
adults)
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Viral infections sometimes lead to bacterial infections. Patients should keep their doctor
informed if their illness gets worse or lasts a long time.
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About Antibiotic Resistance
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Antibiotic resistance has been called one of the world's most pressing public health
problems.
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The number of bacteria resistant to antibiotics has increased in the last decade. Nearly all
significant bacterial infections in the world are becoming resistant to the most commonly
prescribed antibiotic treatments.
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Every time a person takes antibiotics, sensitive bacteria are killed, but resistant germs may
be left to grow and multiply. Repeated and improper uses of antibiotics are primary causes
of the increase in drug-resistant bacteria.
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Misuse of antibiotics jeopardizes the usefulness of essential drugs. Decreasing
inappropriate antibiotic use is the best way to control resistance.
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Children are of particular concern because they have the highest rates of antibiotic use.
They also have the highest rate of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
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Parent pressure makes a difference. For pediatric care, a recent study showed that doctors
prescribe antibiotics 65 percent of the time if they perceive parents expect them; and 12
percent of the time if they feel parents do not expect them.
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Antibiotic resistance can cause significant danger and suffering for people who have
common infections that once were easily treatable with antibiotics. When antibiotics fail to
work, the consequences are longer-lasting illnesses; more doctor visits or extended hospital
stays; and the need for more expensive and toxic medications. Some resistant infections
can cause death.
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Reducing Antibiotic Use
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Antibiotic prescriptions in outpatient settings can be reduced dramatically — without
adversely affecting patient health — by not prescribing antibiotics for viral illnesses, such as
colds, most sore throats, coughs, bronchitis, and the flu.
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Parents should not demand antibiotics when a health care provider has determined they are
not needed.
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Parents should talk with their health care provider about antibiotic resistance.
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Parents should not give their children antibiotics for a viral infection like a cold, a cough, or
the flu. Antibiotics should be used only to treat bacterial infections.
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Parents should ensure that their children take all medication as prescribed, even if
symptoms disappear. If treatment stops too soon, some bacteria may survive and re-infect.
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