In fact, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , we suffer from an estimated 1 billion colds during the course of one year. With this high number, it is no wonder why many of us want immediate relief from the runny nose, congestion, cough, and other symptoms associated with a cold. But, according to a recent study, among many of us, there is a misperception when it comes to treating colds with a certain type of medication. The study, published in the Archives of Family Medicine , found that a large number of its participants requested antibiotics to treat cold symptoms that either they were experiencing or their children were experiencing. However, antibiotics are ineffective against treating viruses.
Viruses are what cause colds and other similar symptoms.
This resistance to antibiotics could potentially lead to a health crisis difficult to control. What the Researchers Did Utilizing three primary care clinics in Minneapolis, the study's authors identified patients or parents of patients who had either visited or contacted the health system complaining of cold symptoms. The patients were then contacted by telephone within eight days of their initial primary care clinic visit or phone call. The respondents were asked if they would participate in a telephone survey relating to their recent illness. Almost all of the contacted individuals agreed to participate in the survey.