should you take antibiotics for vital infections like the common cold?

Question

viral infections

Answer 1

No. Why would you? Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria and other microorganisms -- they do not kill viruses. Taking antibiotics for a viral infection will not alleviate symptoms, will not cure the virus, and will not prevent others from catching the virus from you.

Antibiotic Resistance is a huge public health problem, and we contribute to it every time we take antibiotics when they are not warranted. Disease-causing germs that become resistant to antibiotics mean, at the least, longer periods of illness (because those antibiotics that might have worked once, won't work now, to kill that bacteria), more doctors visits and higher bills, increased hospitalization, and the need for more expensive and virulent treatment. Disease-causing germs that are resistant to antibiotics can spread, of course, and some can be fatal.

If a doctor doesn't want to prescribe antibiotics for you because you have a viral infection, don't push the issue, listen to your doctor. However, there are still (surprisingly, and unfortunately) quite a few doctors out there who seem to prescribe antibiotics for everything, mostly to make patients happy (since most people seem to feel that if they didn't walk out with a prescription, they didn't get the help they feel they need) -- if your doctor offers you antibiotics for a viral infection find out whether a secondary bacterial infection is present or suspected, but if you only have a virus decline the antibiotics.

The best "treatment" for a virus like the common cold is to do what you can to prevent it in the first instance. Good and frequent handwashing goes a long, long, long way in that regard, but most people overlook that. And, of course, avoid close contact with someone you know is sick.

Answer 2

You did mean viral didn't you? You should take antibiotics if they are prescribed by a physician and only then. Antibiotics are a fabulous pharmaceutical however, with repeated use the body can develop an immunity to them. Thus despite what your pals on Yahoo or elsewhere may tell you it is ALWAYS best to consult a doctor before taking medication of any type.

Answer 3

No you should not. Antibiotics work only for bacterial infections. The only treatment out there for viral infections are vaccines. And though we have the flu vaccine, we sadly have none for the common cold.

Answer 4

No, antibiotics are meant for bacterial infections and do not cure viral infections. But if secondary bacterial infections are present, it makes sense to use antibiotics under medical supervision.

Answer 5

The doctors will give antibiotics for secondary infections. If you have a virus and your immune systems is weak, it is possible to get a bacterial infection since they are opportunistic.

Answer 6

Antibiotics don't cure viruses. Only our own antibodies can fight viruses. Viruses are not even technically living organisms. If you have a cold, however, and don't take care of yourself, you can fester bacteria because your immune system is being compromised. Then it can turn into pneumonia or sinus infections and those usually need antibiotics.

Answer 7

No antibiotics work for BACTERIAL infections not for the cold virus.

Answer 8

NOOO!
all that will do is excellerate the mutation of antibiotic immune *bacteria*, and it will NOT help get rid of a *virus*! those are two very different types of organisms. to get rid of a cold, when you have the initial symptoms try Zicam. it works really well.

Answer 9

no=because then the antibiotic wont work
an a very bad infection

Answer 10

Even if you take the whole box, it won't do any good because the common cold has no cure but bed rest & your immune system. Drink plenty of liquids to rehydrate yourself.