Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Why Virus Should Run Their Course With Rest And No Antibiotic Treatment?

Hello, My Doctor said to wait for a few more days before she could give me antibiotics. After 2 days of starting a cold, with very low fever, throat pain and feeling cold and hot indiscriminately, I went to see her. She said she didn t know if I had a bacteria or a virus. What is the difference? Would it be that bacteria could be treated with antibiotics, and virus should run their course with rest and no antibiotic treatment? Thank you for your explanation.
posted on Mon, 20 Jan 2014
Twitter Mon, 20 Jan 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 20 Jan 2014 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Thanks for writing in.yes most of the people have same doubt.antibiotics kill bacteria but have no effect on virus as viruses does not have a living structures as bacteria does.viral infections causing flu or cold have self limiting disease course so symptomatic treatment, rest and plenty of fluids does the job.for virus there are antiviral drug that are useful in more dangerous viral infections .
I find this answer helpful
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Throat culture


Loading Online Doctors....
Why Virus Should Run Their Course With Rest And No Antibiotic Treatment?

Thanks for writing in.yes most of the people have same doubt.antibiotics kill bacteria but have no effect on virus as viruses does not have a living structures as bacteria does.viral infections causing flu or cold have self limiting disease course so symptomatic treatment, rest and plenty of fluids does the job.for virus there are antiviral drug that are useful in more dangerous viral infections .