Viruses do not respond to antibiotics and can actually make your symptoms worse. Antibiotics are indicated if you have a secondary bacterial infection such as sinusitis or bacterial bronchitis. Antibiotics are often over-prescribed to placate patients. This practice has led to resistant strains of bacteria which are extremely difficult and sometimes impossible to treat. There is a video on antibiotic resistance available for viewing at Cowell.
Nurse practitioners can also prescribe.
The RN follows a standardized procedure and protocol based on the nature of your illness. An Emergency Room physician is also available to consult with the RN as needed. This service is located at Haborview Medical Center which is one of two teaching hospitals for the University of Washington School of Medicine and the only designated Level 1 Trauma Center for Washington State.