When you or a family member wakes up with a sore throat, a fever, or a persistent cough, you might think an antibiotic is the quickest way to feel better. However, using these medications incorrectly can do more harm than good to your long-term health. Dr. Douglas R. Grogan, MD, FAAFP, NCMP, and our team of dedicated providers at Bethel Family Medicine in Brockton, Massachusetts, help you understand when these drugs are truly necessary.
During our comprehensive sick visits, we carefully evaluate your symptoms to determine the root cause of your illness. Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward safe and effective healing, ensuring you only take medications that will actually help you recover.
Antibiotics are designed specifically to target and destroy bacteria, not viruses. According to the Cleveland Clinic (2023), these medications are highly effective against bacterial infections like strep throat and urinary tract infections. Still, they are completely ineffective against viral illnesses such as the common cold, bronchitis, or the flu.
Taking antibiotics for a viral infection won't make you feel better, and it won't keep others from getting sick. Instead, it can cause unnecessary side effects such as stomach upset, rashes, or more severe complications, and also wipe out the beneficial bacteria your body needs to stay healthy.
When antibiotics are used too often or incorrectly, bacteria can adapt and change to survive the treatment. This process, known as antibiotic resistance, makes future infections much harder to treat and poses a significant threat to global public health.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA, 2024) reports that at least 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the United States each year, leading to more than 35,000 deaths. It is a common myth that our bodies become immune to these drugs; in reality, it is the bacteria themselves that mutate to defeat the medication.
We take a careful, evidence-based approach to prescribing medications at our Brockton office. We only recommend antibiotics when we are confident a bacterial infection is present, ensuring you get the right treatment at the right time while protecting your overall wellness.
If you are feeling unwell, don't guess about your treatment or use leftover medications from a previous illness. Please contact our office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Grogan and our experienced care team so we can help you feel your best.
