Dean Health Plan participates in Wisconsin Antibiotic Resistance Network (WARN) to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance. We would like to share some important reminders as cold and flu season approaches:
- Many upper-respiratory illnesses are caused by viruses. Antibiotics cure only infections caused by bacteria.
- Antibiotics will not make a sore throat go away unless it is strep throat. Strep is a bacteria and responds to antibiotic treatment.
- Bronchitis and sinusitis are most often viral in nature and usually will not be improved by using antibiotics.
- Some earaches can be treated without antibiotics.
It is important to remember that using antibiotics for viral illnesses will not help you recover more quickly. In fact, you may feel worse as a result of potential medication side effects such as rash, fever or yeast infections. Please talk with your health care practitioner to learn about ways of treating viral illnesses, such as the common cold, at home and without antibiotics. With your help, we can use antibiotics more appropriately and reduce antibiotic resistance.
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