Viral Infections and Common Misconceptions

Antibiotics at the first sneeze?

Upper respiratory tract infections usually appear with symptoms such as runny nose, swelling, and sneezing. If these symptoms are present, the cause is most likely viruses — in other words, a viral infection.

Antibiotics, however, do not have any effect on viruses. Therefore, using antibiotics immediately in viral infections is one of the incorrect practices. Taking antibiotics in such situations only puts unnecessary strain on the body.

If the illness is progressing and the symptoms are worsening, new-generation antivirals may be used under medical supervision. But the important point here is correctly distinguishing between viruses and bacteria. Only a physician can evaluate whether it is a simple cold, a viral infection such as influenza, measles, or herpes, or a bacterial infection such as whooping cough, tonsillitis, or infections caused by streptococcus or pneumococcus.

For this reason, grabbing antibiotics at the first sneeze or cough may look like “taking precautions,” but it is actually an incorrect reaction. In most cases, the body overcomes these infections with its own immune system within a few days. Generally, waiting 2–3 days in a controlled manner is the right approach to observe the course of the illness. If during this period a secondary bacterial infection develops on top of a viral infection, then antibiotic use may come into consideration as deemed appropriate by the physician.

Remember, not every sneeze is an alarm. Sometimes the best treatment is to wait and trust the body’s own balance.