Doctors warn about overuse of antibiotics for viral infections
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Like many other locations, WakeMed's City Center Medical Group in downtown Raleigh is seeing more patients arriving with cold and flu-like symptoms.
"We're definitely starting to see the push coming in. It really probably started a couple weeks ago, and we expect it to continue through March and April," said WakeMed Primary Care Physician Brian Klausner.
While the symptoms can certainly make you feel miserable, there might not be much your doctor can do for you.
"All colds and almost all bronchitis infections are caused by viruses, and not bacteria, and the problem with antibiotics is that they only cure bacterial infections, not viruses," Dr. Klausner explained.
So, doctors shouldn't be prescribing antibiotics for these patients, although some do as a result of pressure from patients.
"So you have this kind of historic pattern where patients will feel miserable for a couple days, go in to their doctors, and in a couple days feel better. Well the problem is the antibiotic did nothing," said Dr. Klausner.
Instead, it was just rest and time, which - unfortunately - is all you can do for a viral infection. But by unnecessarily taking antibiotics, Dr. Klausner warns you're putting yourself at risk for side effects from those drugs and for developing an antibiotic resistance.
"So, when we really need them to fight serious infections, they're no longer effective. So, we're starting to see more and more bacterial strains that have multiple resistive patterns that we can't treat," said Klausner.
A movement called the "NC Get Smart Campaign" kicked off this week in an attempt to address this growing problem. The goal of the statewide effort is to educate providers on the dangers of overuse of antibiotics. But doctors need to get the word out to their patients, too.
"If you go to your doctor's office and they do not prescribe an antibiotic, don't feel disappointed, feel relieved," said Dr. Klausner.
Of course, there are times when you might be given an antibiotic or definitely need to see a doctor with the common cold or bronchitis. Some of the signs to look for include chills, a fever, shortness of breath, and wheezing.
For more on the downtown Raleigh clinic or the NC Get Smart Campaign:
