Overview

• The National Pharmacy Association's survey of 400 pharmacists found that 79% reject daily requests for antibiotics to treat minor viral illnesses like colds.
• A quarter of surveyed pharmacists reported frequent returns of partially used antibiotics, while 37% noted regular hoarding by patients.
• Experts emphasize that antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections like the common cold and misuse contributes to antimicrobial resistance.
• Antibiotics should only be prescribed for confirmed bacterial infections such as pneumonia, strep throat, or persistent sinusitis, according to clinical guidelines.
• Supportive care, including hydration, rest, over-the-counter remedies, and humidifiers, is recommended for managing cold symptoms effectively.