About half of the antibiotics prescribed for respiratory tract infections are inappropriate because most of these infections are caused by viruses.
Category Archives: Tips
Tip of the Week #32
Antiseptics are products that kill germs on the skin. Hand sanitizers are actually antiseptics. Be sure to use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol as the only active ingredient.
Tip of the Week #14
A yellow / green discharge from the nose is normal 2 – 3 days after the start of a cold. This does not mean it is a bacterial infection.
Tip of the Week #43
If you have been prescribed an antibiotic, take all of the medication as directed. Don’t stop taking the antibiotic before the prescription is finished, even if you are feeling better.
Tip of the Week #8
There is no need to use antibacterial soap! Antibacterial soap attacks all bacteria, both good and bad, and can cause bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics. Plain soap effectively removes bad germs from the skin without leading to antibiotic resistance.
Tip of the Week #13
Colds, flu, croup, laryngitis and most cases of bronchitis in children and adults are due to viruses. Antibiotics will not help!
Tip of the Week #11
Viruses are more contagious than bacteria. If more than one person in your family has the same illness, odds are it is a viral infection, and antibiotics will not work!
Tip of the Week #9
Plain soap is just as good as antibacterial soap in preventing infections, but does not lead to antibiotic resistance. There is no advantage in using antibacterial soap.
Tip of the Week #22
More than 75% of children with ear infections will get better without antibiotics. Wash your hands frequently and teach your children to wash their hands because most ear infections occur after a cold.
Tip of the Week #12
A child’s behavior is more important than their fever for telling you when to worry. Children with viral infections usually feel better when their fever is reduced. Children with bacterial infections, especially pneumonia, usually continue to feel bad even if their fever is brought down.