Why do many people take antibiotics for illnesses that aren't related to bacterial infections?

Question

Dr. K that's not culture. It's called stupidity.

Answer 1

I wish I knew the answer to this one because we are creating a host of resistant bacteria from ordering antibiotics where there is no bacterial infection, such as when people demane antibiotics for a cold. Only those who are in danger of developing a secondary bacterial illness from a cold, should be on antibiotics - such as an asthmatic prone to bronchitis or pneumonia. Physicians truly need to stop ordering antibiotics so freely and patients need to learn the disaster they are creating by asking for them. Great question! Wish there were a great answer.

Answer 2

Some people may be put on antibiotics profolacticly. Which means that because of compromised immune state from another disease process they have a high risk of developing an infection. Therefore, antibiotics are given to them, even though they do not have an active bacterial infection, to reduce the risk of them developing an infection.

There is an over prescription of antibiotics as a rule. Often times people bully their health care providers into giving them antibiotics for viral infections that do absolutely nothing. Most prudent doctors and nurse practitioners are not giving out antibiotics for every runny nose, because the results of this practice is more harmful than good in the long run for the person getting the antibiotics and the community that is being exposed to a higher risk of exposure to resistant strains of bacteria.

Hope this helps...

Answer 3

People think that any old antibiotic will work for anything. They get a valid prescription at some point and don't finish taking it once they start to feel better, then pop a few when they get a cold. Colds don't last long, so they attribute the recovery to the old antibiotic they took. I don't understand it either, and it has caused so many good medications to become ineffective.

Answer 4

To my knowledge you see a Doc for a prescription. I usually see my Doc with colds, bugs, whatever, he will do a exam and then say 'Its Viral nothing I can do' or 'Its bacterial, here are some antibiotics'. Can you get antibiotics without having a prescription?

Answer 5

Because it's part of the culture... take a pill for a quick fix. They think popping a pill will fix their illness right away, so they demand it even though it may not work.

Answer 6

Because doctors prescribe them. People are too ignorant to question, and accept everything the doctors say. The real question is why doctors prescribe antibitoics for viral infections?