You’re sick and not sure if it’s just a sore throat or cold, but you’re ready to make this achy feeling go away. So you call your doctor and schedule a visit to get an antibiotic.
“It’s definitely not what you need. Colds, sore throats, bronchitis . . . greater than 90 percent are actually caused by viruses and not bacteria,” says
Lisa Davidson, MD, Carolinas HealthCare System Antimicrobial Support Network</strong>.
The Carolinas HealthCare System Antimicrobial Support Network helps providers make the best decisions for the selection, dosage and duration of antibiotic treatments for you, helping prevent antibiotic resistance and helping to ensure the antibiotics you take are effective.
Find out if an antibiotic is really what you need by watching our interview with Dr. Davidson.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxjqNl1SEe4&w=560&h=315]
So before you head to your doctor’s office to get an antibiotic, check out this chart from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention< on the common illnesses that need an antibiotic.
Tips for Taking Antibiotics
Antibiotics can be life-saving, but can also be harmful if not taken correctly. Check out these helpful tips on taking antibiotics from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
