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Antibiotic Myths and Facts. MYTH: Antibiotics help reduce the length and severity of a cold or flu FACT: Antibiotics have no effect on colds or flu. The “best medicine” is rest. Antibiotic Myths and Facts. MYTH: All ear infections, sinus infections and bronchitis need antibiotics
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Antibiotic Myths and Facts MYTH: Antibiotics help reduce the length and severity of a cold or flu FACT:Antibiotics have no effect on colds or flu. The “best medicine” is rest.
Antibiotic Myths and Facts • MYTH: All ear infections, sinus infections and bronchitis need antibiotics • FACT:Most of these infections will resolve on their own. Now recommend a “wait and see” approach. Take medication for pain and symptom relief. If symptoms don’t improve in a few days then see your doctor.
Antibiotic Myths and Facts • MYTH: Bacteria and infections are not to be feared anymore because we have good antibiotics • FACT: • Overuse of antibiotics is decreasing their effectiveness • Many bacteria have developed resistance to our current antibiotics. • There are not any new antibiotics coming in the system
Antibiotics – Proper Use If you do require an antibiotic: • Important to finish the entire prescription even if you start feeling better • Do not share or keep unused antibiotics for another time • Antibiotics are specific to the infection they are treating • Some antibiotics are not safe in children or for others.