But that prescription for good health may be no more, following the publication of new guidelines last month in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Doctors have always been taught that if you have yellow or green nasal secretions, you need an antibiotic. The yellow or green nasal secretions or secretions from a cough can be caused by viruses as well. Resistance to antibiotics a concern Public health officials have noted the general population's growing resistance to antibiotics in recent years. Moreover, the American Medical Association says people who take antibiotics are more likely to develop allergic reactions to the drugs the more they use them.
Bacteria are generally microorganisms that can be helpful or harmful in the body.
Some bacteria can grow in the body and lead to various ailments, such as those caused by infected wounds. Viruses aren't independent organisms, but are rather dependent on other cells to reproduce. In the process, they cause harm to the body. Antibiotics still useful, doctors say The American Medical Association supports the new antibiotic guidelines issued by the American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine. When in doubt or when suffering to a severe extent, they recommend getting an expert medical opinion.