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Harmony Health Advocates
Sep 2, 20233 min read

The Common Cold and Antibiotics: Why They're Not a Perfect Match

Feeling under the weather? Got a runny nose, sore throat, and just can't seem to shake off that tired feeling? You might be tempted to think, "Hey, why not just take some antibiotics and kick this cold to the curb?" Well, hold on a minute! As much as we’d like a quick fix, antibiotics might not be the hero we’re looking for when it comes to the common cold. Let’s explore why that is.


What Antibiotics Do (And Don’t Do)


Imagine antibiotics as a special SWAT team designed to fight bacteria. These medicines are excellent at their job but remember, they're trained for bacteria, not viruses. Colds are caused by viruses, so using antibiotics to treat them is like sending a SWAT team to handle a lost kitten—it’s just not the right fit.


Antimicrobial Stewardship: The Smart Use of Antibiotics


Here’s where the big words come in: antimicrobial stewardship. Sounds like something from a science textbook, right? But it's a simple idea. It means using antibiotics only when you really need them and exactly how your doctor recommends. Doing this helps us all in the long run.


The Scary Story of Antibiotic Resistance


If we keep using antibiotics when we don’t need them, something creepy happens. The bad bacteria, the ones antibiotics are supposed to fight, start to change and get stronger. It's like they put on armor, and our antibiotics can't beat them anymore. This is called antibiotic resistance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the U.S. each year, and more than 35,000 people die as a result. Those are scary numbers.


Risk for Complications: Why More Isn’t Always Better


Okay, so let’s say you decide to take antibiotics for your cold anyway. What’s the big deal? The problem is antibiotics have side effects. You could get an upset stomach, diarrhea, or even a skin rash. Plus, antibiotics mess with all bacteria in your body, even the good ones that help you digest food. You could end up feeling worse instead of better.


What Should You Do for a Cold?


So, if antibiotics aren’t the answer for a cold, what should you do? Here’s the comforting part. Most of the time, your body’s natural defenses, like your immune system, will take care of you. Rest, stay hydrated, and use over-the-counter remedies like throat lozenges and nasal spray if you need to. If you're not feeling better in about a week or your symptoms get severe, then it’s time to consult a healthcare provider.


How Harmony Health Advocates Can Help


Let's face it: being sick is stressful. Between trying to figure out what medicines you need and making doctor's appointments, it can be overwhelming. This is where Harmony Health Advocates come in. We’re your personal health guides, there to answer questions and help you make smart choices.


Confused about whether you need antibiotics? We can help you understand your symptoms and guide you to the right medical help. Need to find a doctor who knows about treating viral infections? We can connect you with experts. We're here to support you every step of the way.


Your health is like a puzzle, with lots of pieces that fit together. Sometimes it’s hard to see how everything connects, but that’s what we’re here for. With the right information and a little guidance from Harmony Health Advocates, you’ll be better prepared to tackle whatever comes your way—even if it’s just a common cold.


So the next time you catch a cold, remember that antibiotics are not always the quick fix they might seem to be. With smart choices and a little time, you'll give your body the best chance to bounce back all on its own.


Reach out to see how Harmony Health Advocates can help support you and your loved ones.


516-246-6014




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