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Viral infection

Why can't I get antibiotics from my Doctor for a viral infection?


Created By on 29/05/2017

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CaroleAH
30th May 2017 00:34:37 (Last activity: 1st Jun 2017 19:48:11)
0
Thanks for voting!
Excellent link, Sally. It is worrying that drug companies are not bringing new antibiotics on to the market because they are not as profitable as other drugs. If we get to the stage where common infections are resistant to all the known antibiotics, either because of over-prescribing or unnecessary use (GPs will often bow to pressure from persistent patients and issue a prescription because that is easier than being unpopular by refusing) will the drug companies belatedly come to our aid or shall we have to resort to the ancient Egyptian practice of using poultices of mouldy bread. Most antibiotics have side-effects, which have to be endured if the symptoms warrant their use, but why anyone would want to take them if they are not needed is beyond my comprehension.
Response from Seahorse Original Poster made on 30th May 2017 20:12:52
I agree with your reply.
Thanks
Response from CaroleAH made on 30th May 2017 20:18:06
Thanks, Seahorse 🙂
Response from jeanmark made on 31st May 2017 15:11:34
I agree with your sentiment CaroleAH but it isn't just overprescribing that has caused a problem, although I have been at the wrong end of patients becoming verbally violent when antibiotics are not prescribed because it is 'their right'. Antibiotics have been used for many years in farming, it is also worth noting a large number of patients are non-compliant, they stop taking the drug after a couple of doses because they feel better rather than finish the course as instructed.

I'm afraid in todays society many people believe there is a 'pill' for every ailment.
Response from CaroleAH made on 31st May 2017 17:06:20
You are right, Jeanmark. I'm sure that if I had one penny for every time a patient has said "but how does my body know whether I should have 7 days or 5 days of antibiotics - I just stop when I feel better" then I would be a rich woman!
Response from jeanmark made on 1st Jun 2017 19:48:11
You and me both.
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jeanmark
30th May 2017 15:17:36 (Last activity: 30th May 2017 20:11:53)
0
Thanks for voting!
Sorry Seahorse but antibiotics are mainly for bacterial infections, few would work on viruses and so there is no point in prescribing them for such. Many viral infections are self-limiting as are many mild bacterial infections, they rarely require treating with any medicines other than over-the-counter ones they may help symptoms but not the actual infection.
Response from Seahorse Original Poster made on 30th May 2017 20:11:53
Thanks for your reply I understand.
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Silversurfers Editor
29th May 2017 23:33:53
1
Thanks for voting!
You may find this page answers your question : http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Antibiotics-penicillins/Pages/Introduction.aspx
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