Antibiotics: Do I Really Need One?
Note: This article is over 60 days old, and may contain information that is out of date, or has been superseded by newer information.
True or false: Green mucus is indicative of a bacterial infection that requires an antibiotic.
FALSE. Green mucus does not mean that an infection is bacterial, as this can also occur with a viral infection. Since antibiotics do not work on viral infections, green mucus does not necessarily mean that you need an antibiotic.
True or false: If a cold lasts longer than a week, an antibiotic is typically needed.
FALSE. Research shows that cold symptoms often last longer than one week.
True or false: Antibiotics may not help you get better, but they can’t hurt.
FALSE. The misuse of antibiotics not only contributes to antibiotic resistance (making these drugs less effective when you truly need them), but it can also lead to serious side effects.
Cold and flu season is upon us, and many patients will mistakenly head to their doctor for an unnecessary antibiotic. Before you head to the doctor hoping to leave with an antibiotic in hand, consider the information below to help ensure safe and appropriate antibiotic use.
Who do antibiotics help? Antibiotics only kill bacteria—they do NOT kill viruses. Since most illnesses (for example, the common cold, most coughs/bronchitis, the flu, and most sore throats) are caused by viruses, antibiotics may not get rid of the infection or make you feel better any faster. In fact, there’s only a 1 in 4,000 chance that an antibiotic will help most acute upper respiratory infections.
What are the risks associated with antibiotics? Antibiotics, like other drugs, have side effects that can range from being a nuisance to being more serious. For example, did you know that 1 in 4 patients taking an antibiotic will experience diarrhea, 1 in 50 patients will experience a skin reaction, and 1 in 1,000 patients will end up in the emergency room? In addition, inappropriate antibiotic use promotes more resistant infections which may make these agents less likely to work when you truly need them.
How do I know when to call my doctor? Some symptoms that require contacting your physician are fever over 100.5º, shortness of breath, skin rash, and an extremely sore or red throat with white or yellow patches. However, when in doubt, call your doctor to see if an antibiotic is needed, but don’t be disappointed if you don’t receive a prescription. By avoiding an unnecessary antibiotic, you’ll be doing your part to ensure antibiotics remain effective when you truly need them to work.
Source: Antibiotic overuse. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter 2008: 24(10):241006.