Should An Antibiotic Be Taken For A Viral Infection?

Today, my doctor diagnosed me with a viral infection. He prescribed an antibiotic called "Azithromycin". Does it make sense to take this antibiotic? I had been told, in the past, that antibiotics don't work on viral infections; they just work on bacterial diseases such as strep throat. Can anyone help me?

No, antibiotics do not work on Viral infections. Maybe the Dr. is concerned about a secondary infection of some sort. Call his office and ask them.

Antibiotics do not work on viruses. They only work on bacteria. Maybe your doctor was just hedging his bets.

yes, it does help i would take it. if its not needed i dont think a doc would give it to ya. they are the professional.

Azithromycin is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as bronchitis; pneumonia; sexually transmitted diseases (STD); and infections of the ears, lungs, skin, and throat. Azithromycin is in a class of medications called macrolide antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections

My daughter's doctor prescribed her with an antibiotic for a viral infection and I gave it to her and she got well. I wonder myself why doctors do some of the things they do but I just tell myself they're the doctors and do what they tell me to. i would just take it and not worry about it because I don't think it would hurt you. hope you feel better soon and good luck!

your doctor doesnt know what he is talking about. Go to a new doctor

If the viral infection has caused a susceptibility to bacterial infection he could have prescribed it to prevent a likely infection.

well, it won't work on the viral infection. but he's probably just making sure that all the bases are covered. sometimes they accidental diagnose a viral infection when it's really bacterial (this has happened to me multiple times) You should call and ask him if it is necessary to take the pills now. If you don't really need them there is no reason to add to the problems with antibiotic resistant bacteria.

NO. .....Antibiotics do NOT work against viruses, they only work (most of the time) against bacteria. .....I have no idea why your doctor prescribed them as much as the medical community has tried to discourage patients/doctors from using antibiotics for anything viral (and try to avoid prescribing them against bacteria when they can).

In some cases viral infections can cause bacterial infections such as strep and ear infections. You may have some secondary issues that he did not mention or he may have used the word virus loosely.

Call him and ask. He gets paid the big bucks to answer your questions.

No they do not work on viral infections. However the antibiotic he gave you is very strong so it should take care of any secondary infections.

Antibiotics do not work for viral infection, only for bacterial infections. Perhaps your doctor is concerned with a possible bacterial infection? My doctor friend advises not to take antibiotics unless you have a bacterial infection because taking too much antibiotics because it could cause you to have a resistant bacteria which will not respond to normal antibiotics.

Viruses can't multiply until they are inside the body's cells. This is the reason why the treatment of virus infections is usually left up to your own immune system.

Maybe your doctor is prescribing peace of mind or maybe he is worried about secondary infections. You need to discuss this with him as over use of antibiotics reduces their effectiveness by encouraging the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Antibiotics are not indicated for viral infections. But in some cases doctors do prescribe antibiotics prophylactically to cover any possible secondary bacterial infection. It should depend on the nature of the viral infection and the physical status of the patient. For example, it might be sensible to give your 80-yr old nana some antibiotic cover during a terrible flu, in case she picks up pneumonia. makes sense?

No

Your doctor should be shot.
Its people like him who are speeding up the rate on antibiotic resistance by prescribing antibiotics to people who do not need them. Him, and other doctors like him are hated by microbiologists for making our lives harder.

No ... They don't work on viral infections. They only work on bacterial infections. Taking antibiotics when there is no need (ie, viral infections) only helps to build your future resistance to antibiotics when you really need them.

True. They can only fight against bacteria. That's why a virus can be so harmful.

Antibiotics don't act against viruses but taking antibiotics is a must to guard against secondary bacterial infections as viruses decrease immunity locally in lungs thus allow for bacterial infections

YOu might hoave a viral infection. However, it loweres your immunity to bacteral infections causing a secondary infection. Doctors will prescribe a broad spectrum antibiotic as a precaustion to keep you from getting a bacterial infection. Its just a standard precaution to help you. z-pack is a great antibiotic for almost any uppre respiratory infection, strep, and other things