12/08/2025
Did you know?
If you've got a stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, or runny nose, you may be tempted to ask for antibiotics — but did you know that most of these symptoms are caused by viruses, not bacteria? According to the CDC, antibiotics won’t help when the cause is viral.
Here’s what you should know:
🔍 Why won’t antibiotics help?
• Many common respiratory illnesses — colds, flu-like symptoms, and bronchitis in otherwise healthy people — are caused by viruses. Antibiotics simply do not work against them.
• Taking antibiotics when they aren’t needed can lead to unwanted side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
• Even green or yellow mucus doesn’t automatically mean you need an antibiotic — color changes are common with viral infections.
💡 What can help?
• Rest, stay hydrated, and use symptom-relief measures like saline spray, humidifiers, throat lozenges, or honey (if age-appropriate).
• Over-the-counter medications may provide comfort for congestion, cough, or fever.
• For confirmed flu or COVID-19, there may be antiviral medications that can slightly shorten symptoms — but these work best when started early and aren’t appropriate for everyone. Give us a call if you’re unsure whether antivirals are right for you.
🛋️ When to stay home and when to call:
• Most mild viral illnesses can be safely managed at home.
• If you have difficulty breathing, a high fever lasting several days, symptoms lasting more than 10 days, signs of dehydration, or underlying health conditions that put you at higher risk — it’s time to reach out for care.
At HMC, our goal is Quality care close to home. Part of that is helping you know when a visit is needed — and when your body simply needs time to recover. If you're ever unsure, just give us a call. We're here to help guide you to the right next step.
