Can antibiotics help treat a cold?
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Stacy Wiegman answered:Antibiotics cannot treat a cold. These drugs are only effective against bacteria, which cause infections like strep throat. Colds are caused by viruses. When people take them unnecessarily, antibiotics become less effective because bacteria build up a resistance to them. That's why your doctor won't prescribe an antibiotic if you have a common cold.
Antibiotics cannot treat a cold. These drugs are only effective against bacteria, which cause infections like strep throat. Colds are caused by viruses. When people take them unnecessarily, antibiotics become less effective because bacteria... More -
Both the flu (influenza) and the common cold are caused by viruses, so antibiotics do not treat them. However, some of the complications of colds and influenza are bacterial, such as ear infections, sinus infections, and pneumonia. Antibiotics can be used to treat these complications.
Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulBoth the flu (influenza) and the common cold are caused by viruses, so antibiotics do not treat them. However, some of the complications of colds and influenza are bacterial, such as ear infections, sinus infections, and pneumonia. Antibiotics can... More -
Most colds are caused by viruses so antibiotics do not help. However, sometimes colds are caused by bacterial sources and then antibiotics can be helpful.
Most colds are caused by viruses so antibiotics do not help. However, sometimes colds are caused by bacterial sources and then antibiotics can be helpful. More -
Dr. Joel Fuhrman answered:The common cold, the flu, and over 95% of all acute sicknesses are caused by viruses. I mention this specifically because one of the major issues with the cold and flu is not the illness itself but the myriad ways we try to treat it. Too often these so-called solutions are taxing our immune systems, prolonging the illness, or turning colds and flus into something much worse, even potentially life-threatening.
Everyone should be aware that antibiotics do not kill viruses and do not aid in the recovery from viral illness. Yet over 90% of antibiotic prescriptions are utilized inappropriately (prescribed for viral illnesses). That's right, 90%. Antibiotics are routinely and repeatedly administered by physicians for illnesses such as colds and bronchitis, which are viral, not bacterial. This use of antibiotics is inappropriate and dangerous. In one study, more than half of the patients who visited a physician in the United States with cold symptoms left with a prescription for an antibiotic.
Find out more about this book: Super Immunity: The Essential Nutrition Guide for Boosting Your Body's Defe...
The common cold, the flu, and over 95% of all acute sicknesses are caused by viruses. I mention this specifically because one of the major issues with the cold and flu is not the illness itself but the myriad ways we try to treat it. Too... More
