How do I know if my cough / cold actually is something the needs antibiotics?

Question

I don't have health insurance so I don't want to go to the doctor if it's just a lingering cold?

Answer 1

Antibiotics are not a cold remedy. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections, and thus are ineffective against the common cold.

Treatment of colds with antibiotics can be counterproductive, as it can promote the production of drug resistant bacteria, and can even promote infections by killing off normal bodily flora.

However, antibiotics may be useful for treating coinfections such as a middle ear infection.

Answer 2

A fever is a good indication of some type of infection. Fever with chills is serious and you should see a doctor right away. A bad cold often lasts 10 days, and a cough may linger another couple of weeks. As long as you are making some progress toward getting better (as opposed to worse), it is probably nothing more than a bad cold.

Don't let lack of insurance keep you from the doctor's office if you feel you need to go. They can put you on a payment plan for the cost of the visit, and as far a medication, sometimes they will have free samples, especially if you tell them you can not afford the prescription. It is not worth gambling with your health to save a few bucks.

Answer 3

a chilly on no account desires antibiotics once you're perplexed some chilly vs. a sinus an infection, until there are specific situations (say, you're on chemotherapy, for occasion) that doesn't require antibiotics, the two; and a wait-and-see approach for the duration of the 1st 2 weeks is ideal, with antibiotics in all likelihood required if indicators are greater prolonged. that's beneficial to look up the Centor standards for the scientific prognosis of strep throat. Having chilly indicators makes strep much less in all likelihood.

Answer 4

If the cough lasts more than a week or so and it's a dry, "croupy" cough, or you're running fever, or if the cough is accompanied by wheezing...those could be signs of bronchitis. Also, if you're producing green mucus, that's a sign of infection. Not to be gross, but if that doesn't clear up within a couple days, you may have a sinus infection. Only an antibiotic will clear up either of these conditions. Good luck!

Answer 5

Go to your doctor, he will tell you if you need antibiotics. Then again if you coughing up green stuff than thats a whole different story.

Answer 6

I don't waste my money on a doctor. I just cough in someones' face, and if they have a nasty cough the next day, then I'll go to the doctor. It's mean, but it works!

Answer 7

if u r coughing, green stuff then u need antibiotics
if not, just ride it out
get more rest, drink lots of liquid

Answer 8

If you blow your nose and the mucus comes out green or discolored, it is a good chance you have an infenction. Also, if your ears start hurting.

Answer 9

if you have a fever over 100 degrees for more than 3 days, or swollen glands in your neck for more than 3 days.

Answer 10

anitbiotics do nothing for colds or flu which are viruses