Posted by KaraS on April 1, 2005, at 22:03:46
In reply to URGENT: Cold, flu or something else, posted by Wildflower on April 1, 2005, at 11:52:21
> I know this isn't a life/death situation but I need advice. I'm leaving this weekend for 6 days and I feel horrible with a stuffy/runny nose, cough, ears blocked up, feel really warm, etc. (sounds fun, doesn't it?) It's been worsening over the last week.
>
> Could someone please tell me if this warrants antibiotics? I hate seeing a doctor for petty things and taking things if my ailment will go away on its own. Besides, I already take a handful of AD meds so the though of adding more meds makes me cringe.
>
> Any advice?
If it's just a cold or another viral infection then antibiotics would be of no use. They're only for bacterial infections.Sometimes I think they prescribe antibiotics with lung/bronchial infections (even if they're viral) as a prophylactic measure so that a bacterial infection doesn't develop from the viral infection. But for most colds or flus, antibiotics are useless.
You sure have had your share of ailments lately. Hope you feel better soon!
k
poster:KaraS
thread:478516
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/health/20050306/msgs/478769.html