Cold or flu: should you take antibiotics?

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Extract from the article: Often when we have a sore throat or cough, we tend to resort to antibiotics. The reason for taking these products is simple: to feel good and get better quickly. Are antibiotics necessary for colds, sore throats and other respiratory infections? When

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Often when we have a sore throat or cough, we tend to resort to antibiotics. The reason for taking these products is simple: to feel good and get better quickly. Are antibiotics necessary for colds, sore throats and other respiratory infections? When are they recommended and when should they be avoided?

Antibiotics work on bacteria, not viruses. They fight bacterial infections, whereas colds, flu and many other respiratory infections are caused by viruses.

Colds: when to take antibiotics?

Even if, most of the time, colds do not become complicated and heal spontaneously, it can happen that a bacterium comes to complicate the infection, we speak about bacterial superinfection. This is manifested by persistent fatigue, a fever that can be high and a worsening of the symptoms. Nasal discharge may thicken and become yellowish or greenish. The cough becomes oily, sometimes accompanied by sputum. In the face of these symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor who will prescribe a short course of antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection depending on the location of the infection (sinus, throat, bronchial tubes, etc.).

Antibiotics: beware of overuse

Overuse of antibiotics encourages the emergence of "superbugs", which become resistant to antibiotics and can thus cause very severe infections that can lead to serious after-effects and even death. These superbugs can also spread to others.

Prolonged use of antibiotics can disturb the natural balance between good and bad bacteria in the body. Side effects include nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, vaginal infections and severe allergic reactions.  Many adults go to emergency departments because of the side effects of their antibiotics.

Relieving symptoms

It is advisable to rest well and drink plenty of water. For symptoms affecting the nose, good nasal hygiene through the use of nose drops or saline spray is beneficial to treatment. Gargling with salt water and taking hot drinks are some tips to relieve sore throats. 

Raymond DZAKPATA

Article validated by Dr Jean-Claude Bakpatina, General Practitioner-Lomé