We are in the midst of winter in the southern hemisphere and that means cold and flu season. A few years ago penicillin would do the trick for respiratory tract infections, then amoxicillin, then cephalexin. Now I am seeing increasing use of stronger drugs like clarithromycin that used to be reserved for hospital grade pneumonia. It's not just the over prescribing of stronger antibiotics that worries me, it's the people taking them. They often enter my pharmacy with a smile on their face, in great spirits and tell me they have have been unwell 'for a couple of days'. What happened to society!? Ask your grandparents what they did if they were unwell for a few days. They would rest up and eat healthy nutritious foods, garlic, chilli, vitamin C... the list of natural remedies that can help boost your natural immunity is as long as your arm!
Now it is not entirely the fault of these individuals, it is also the duty of doctors to inform patients that in the majority of cases viral infections and colds will be self limiting and resolve once you start looking after yourself. Now I do appreciate there are instances when antibiotics are required. But I want to address the majority of cases where they are not.
If you like this rant and would like my opinion on any other health related issues, please ask away!!!
