Cold and Flu Treatment
Q: Can antibiotics treat colds or the flu?
Dr. Donnica: Antibiotics do not treat
the flu, or colds for that matter, nor do they prevent any additional "superinfections"
related to consequences of the flu. In fact, they may increase the likelihood
for complications, with the causative germs more apt to be resistant and dangerous.
Antibiotics are not benign drugs; they can have many side effects. Yet nearly
two out of three people with influenza are misdiagnosed or mistreated and given
antibiotics. This contributes to the worsening problem of antibiotic resistance,
as well as increasing the costs of medical care. Patients with proven or suspected
bacterial pneumonia or strep throat should receive antibiotics, however.
Click here for related information.
Created: 10/16/2000 - Donnica Moore, M.D.
|
