Before You Make That Appointment
Teri Mills is a longtime Democracy For America community member. Her guest column on health care appears on Blog for America on Fridays and she blogs at nationalnurse.blogspot.com.
The leaves are falling, the country's weather map is now in shades of green, and you probably know at least one person in your family or at work who has a cold. Being an American, you probably love a quick fix to feeling lousy. However, before you make that appointment with your health care provider, or recommend someone else call their doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, make sure you understand the reasons why antibiotics will most likely not be prescribed.
Antibiotics are used for bacterial infections only and have no effect on colds and flu that are caused by viruses. If you notice any drainage from your nose or mouth that is a different color like yellow or green, this does not mean you need antibiotics. Antibiotics are also rarely prescribed for sinus infections and bronchitis. In fact, taking antibiotics unnecessarily will put you and your family a risk for developing resistant infections later. These "superbugs" sometimes cause infections that are difficult to cure and expensive to treat.
So here is some important advice to follow:
If an antibiotic is recommended, make sure you finish the complete prescription (every dose), even if you begin feeling better. Taking a part of the prescription will allow the germs to multiply, and they may not respond to this medication again, requiring you to begin treatment all over again.
Never share your medications with others as you may be causing them harm. Antibiotics have side effects, they are meant for certain bacteria that require diagnosing, and some people are allergic to them.
Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands. Soap and water is even better than anti-bacterial soaps which have also been found to cause super-infections, those diseases which are resistant to antibiotic use.
Increase your fluids, but stay away from alcohol and caffeine because these can be very dehydrating.
Use a cool mist vaporizer or saline nasal spray to relieve congestion.
Soothe your scratchy throat with lozenges, popsicles, or ice chips.
By all means, see your health care provider if you aren't getting well or if you have any concerns.
Finally, you have the right to request a generic alternative to a brand name drug. Be sure to discuss this with your health care provider because it could potentially save you a great deal of money.
—Teri Mills, RN, MS, ANP
Democracy for Oregon
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