Upper respiratory infections can leave patients in temporary misery, and it's important for them to understand why antibiotics are not helpful for viral infections. 

In an article for UW Health, Barry Fox, MD (pictured at right), clinical professor, Infectious Disease and medical director of the UW Health Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, explains that when antibiotics aren’t needed, they won’t help – and the side effects could hurt more than just the patient who takes them inappropriately. 

"Taking antibiotics can create resistant bacteria, meaning the bacteria will no longer respond to the antibiotics designed to kill them if needed in the future,” said Dr. Fox. 

“Antibiotic resistance is due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics." 

The article includes a layperson-friendly reference chart listing common conditions such as colds, strep, and influenza, common pathogens for each, and whether antibiotics are appropriate or not. 

Resources:

• "When are antibiotics needed?," UW Health, June 12, 2018

Photo (top): Creative Commons CC-SA-3.0