It’s winter, and for some people, that might mean more common illnesses like cold, flu or bronchitis. While your first reaction might be to ask your doctor for an antibiotic, the vast majority of upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses, for which antibiotics are not an appropriate or beneficial treatment. In fact, using an antibiotic inappropriately could be harmful, since bacteria build up resistance to antibiotics over time, causing them to be less effective when we need them. You may then be at risk for new or worse complications, and, in some cases, there may be no effective treatments available.
Treatments for viral illnesses differ from treatments for bacterial illnesses. While doctors must make the right diagnosis and treatment decisions, you play an important role, too. When you start to experience symptoms, be sure to talk through your treatment options with your doctor. Understanding the facts will help you in that conversation.
Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections, not viral illnesses.
Knowing the differences will help you understand your treatment options. Viruses cause illnesses and conditions including the common cold/runny nose, bronchitis/chest cold, flu, sore throat (except strep throat) and fluid in the middle ear. Illness and conditions caused by bacteria include whooping cough, strep throat and urinary tract infection. Despite popular belief, the color of sputum (saliva and mucus) does not indicate whether an infection is viral or bacterial, so consult your doctor if you have questions. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics for your bacterial infection, follow all instructions regarding timing and dose of your antibiotic to ensure the greatest benefit and least harm, even if your symptoms are gone before your prescription course is complete.
Some over-the-counter treatments are better than others.
If you have an illness that isn’t treatable with antibiotics, over-the-counter medications could be your best option. Although you can’t kill a virus, you can relieve symptoms of illnesses like cold and flu. Especially for longer-lasting illnesses, such as viral bronchitis that typically lasts about three weeks, keeping yourself comfortable and preventing further infection is important. For coughing and decongestion, look for medication containing an antihistamine and decongestant. (Medications such as dextromethorphan and guaifenesin may help) Cough expectorant can also help prevent a bacterial infection from forming. For body aches, naproxen, ibuprofen or aspirin for adults could help relieve symptoms. Taking zinc within 24 hours of cold symptoms may reduce the length and severity of the cold, but avoid zinc nasal sprays. Lastly, herbal products, essential oils like peppermint oil and petroleum jelly for dry skin and noses may also help relieve symptoms.
Understand prescription medications.
Cough suppressants include Tessalon Perles (benzonatate), a non-narcotic cough medicine that numbs the throat and lungs so the coughing reflex is less active. Sleep while you are sick is very important, so to get the suggested 8 to 10 hours of sleep recommended per night and consider taking a nighttime cough syrup with guaifenesin and codeine. If you have trouble breathing, your doctor may prescribe an oral steroid such as prednisone that helps reduce inflammation in the lungs so you can breathe more easily. Your doctor might also prescribe an inhaler, a device that delivers medication directly to your lungs to help you breathe.
Take care of yourself at home.
Once symptoms start, be sure to rest at least 8 to 10 hours each night. Drinking at least four 8-ounce glasses of water per day in addition to homemade soups can also be helpful. To help relieve a sore throat, gargle one-half teaspoon of table salt mixed in 8 ounces of warm water. This will help warm and clean the tonsils and throat. Using a cool humidifier is a good way to relieve congestion and moisten dry mucous membranes. Be sure to clean and use the machine according to instructions.
Take preventive measures.
One of the most powerful tools we have to prevent illness is one of the most basic: Wash your hands. Also, even healthy people can get very sick from the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone six months and older. If you haven’t gotten your annual flu shot yet, now is the time!
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