Antibiotics for Cold!

I get lot of patients who say they have cold and find that they have been prescribed antibiotics. I am herewith attaching a few points as to when you should see a doctor and when antibiotics are needed. My next blog will be on remedies for common cold.
Do I need antibiotics?
Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria, not viruses. If antibiotics are taken when not needed, you may develop secondary infections or experience side effects such as diarrhea, yeast infections, nausea, or more severe reactions. Remember: Viral infections do not improve with treatment antibiotics. To demand antibiotics for a cold or allergy displaying cold-like symptoms is to waste time and to risk a possible drug reaction, which can occur with any medication.

When should I seek professional advice?
You should see a doctor if you have:
• Enlarged tonsils with fever or one tonsil much larger than the other
• Sore throat that persists longer than seven days
• Fever lasting three or more days
• Fever greater than 103º F
• Cough lasting more than two weeks
• Cough occurring frequently at night, coming in uncontrollable clusters and possibly causing vomiting
• Chest pain, wheezing, or shortness of breath
• Earache or sinus pain
• Rash, any type, anywhere on body, not previously diagnosed
• Headache with stiff neck, fever, confusion, vomiting and/or rash
• Sore throat with a rash.

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