Does your GP prescribe antibiotics?

**Blonde Assassin** · 23-05-2012 14:27

Just wondering if any other GP's are giving the same advice to people...

We have had a cold/virus/flu thing in our house for about a month. I've tried every over-the-counter remedy you can imagine, but I just can't seem to completely shake it. DH & DS don't seem to have it as bad as I do. But I'm seriously OVER being sick!

So we went to the GP to get some antibiotics & I was told I have to let my body fight it. She said we don't give antibiotics very often for colds & viruses anymore & because so many people ask for them, the viruses are becoming stronger & harder to kill.

Has anyone else's GP told them this, or is it just ours?!

**SpecialPatrolGroup** · 23-05-2012 14:33

ABs are useful for bacterial infections but not virus' so what your Dr has told you is pretty much on par with what I am told by my Dr.

**Cheerilee** · 23-05-2012 14:39

Good GPs won't give antibiotics for a viral infection

. A virus can make you feel horrid but antibiotics won't do anything.

Antibiotics are for bacterial infections. Giving them unnecessarily for a viral infections will decrease their affectiviness against bacterial infections such as tonsillitis, pneumonia etc etc.

So rest, something for the pain and fluids for a virus

**Tutu & Lulu** · 23-05-2012 14:43

Yep all doctors are the same. my kids have been on a lot of antibiotics of late but that is for middle ear infections, tonsillits and bronchitis when they have colds with none of those infections we get told the same thing at the doctor and the do just have to fight it themselves

**moongazer** · 23-05-2012 14:37

I rarely get antibiotics for colds.

You may be a little confused by the GP.

Anti biopics are ONLY for bacterial infections. They will do absolutely NOTHING for viral infections. Most colds are viruses, so having antibugs will do nothing for your cold.

Resistance is increasing for antibiotics. This is due to antibiotics being given out very easily, usually for a virus. Bugs are coming into contact with these anti biopics and are getting more resistant. Meaning the drugs we used to use to kill off these bacteria, are not working anymore. Hospitals are seeing more and more resistant bacteria getting around, and they are getting harder to eradicate.

I am all for antibiotics if needed, but if I have a virus, there is nothing I can do about it. I need to ride it out.

**OJandMe** · 23-05-2012 14:54

they don't prescribe them for viruses.

Rest up, get out in the sun, eat chicken soup and sleep.

**SpecialPatrolGroup** · 23-05-2012 15:00

Also, over the counter medication won't help you to get over a cold/flu, all they do is mask the symptoms which can have the adverse effect of making you think you can do more than you should, so you don't rest up as you should.

**Blonde Assassin** · 23-05-2012 14:57

Fair enough, I totally understand. Somehow I got confused because she was talking about "viral infections" & viruses etc.

Thanks for your replies

**SugarSkull** · 23-05-2012 15:10

Like everyone has already said, they don't prescribe antibiotics for virus's. Virus can't be killed with antibiotics. Id go with natural things to really give your immune system a boost. Vitamin C, Zinc, plenty of water, garlic etc.

**katezane** · 23-05-2012 15:19

Only if I have a serious infection that doesn't clear up. Not if I have a cold I can't shake.

Get some bloods done then they can work out if you have an infection that they can treat or if it's just a virus that you have to wait to clear up on its own.