When do I actually need antibiotics?
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3 Answers
For bacterial infections only — most sore throats, colds, coughs, sinus congestion, and flu are viral and won't respond. Unnecessary use drives resistance and side effects. Signs that raise bacterial suspicion include high persistent fever, worsening after initial improvement, and localised findings on examination.
Acute bronchitis is usually viral and cough can persist 2-3 weeks. Antibiotics shorten it by less than a day on average while causing side effects in many.
Reasons to reassess: breathlessness, chest pain, coughing blood, fever beyond 5 days, or worsening after initial improvement.
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