Antibiotics for a Cold? Separating Fact from Fiction
"Do antibiotics help a cold go away faster?"
Many people think so, but that's not actually the case.
Let's explore the myths and truths about colds and antibiotics with Professor Cho Bi-ryong from the Department of Family Medicine at Seoul National University Hospital!
❌ Antibiotics are not necessary for a cold.
Colds are mostly respiratory illnesses caused by viruses, not bacteria.
Antibiotics are drugs that suppress bacteria, so they have no effect on viruses.
Therefore, cold medicine essentially provides symptomatic treatment—it only alleviates symptoms such as runny nose, cough, and fever.
⚠️ Unnecessary antibiotics can harm your body.
"Doesn't taking antibiotics help when you're sick?"
Not necessarily. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed has no benefits and only leaves side effects.
- Diarrhea, indigestion, allergies
- Destruction of beneficial bacteria in the body → weakened immune function
In other words, you might weaken your body instead of protecting your health.
???? When antibiotics are necessary
Antibiotics are not needed for all colds.
Professor Cho Bi-ryong explains that "antibiotics are only necessary when accompanied by a bacterial infection."
The signs are as follows:
- High fever of 38 degrees Celsius or higher that lasts for 3 days or more
- Yellow phlegm, nasal discharge, or ear discharge
- Complications such as sinusitis or otitis media
In these cases, antibiotic prescriptions are necessary after a doctor's examination.
???? Professor's advice
"What's more important than asking for a 'strong prescription' is
creating an environment where our bodies can fight colds well."
- Get enough rest
- Stay hydrated
- Eat a balanced diet
The key to overcoming a cold is our body's ability to recover, not antibiotics.
Find more detailed information on Seoul National University Hospital TV!
Source :https://blog.naver.com/chsnuh/223983743546
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