I have a cold, do I need an antibiotic?

The answer is, probably not. Sadly, the medical community has led most patients to believe that antibiotics will result in a quicker recovery. This is only true when the infection is caused by a bacteria. Most common colds are caused by viruses, and taking an antibiotic to “nip it in the bud” doesn’t usually change the course. As all too many of us have experienced, antibiotics can cause stomach upset, rashes and other allergic reactions and help bacteria that we may be exposed to in the future become resistant-which means that our antibiotics become less and less effective.

This article is an insightful parable about antibiotic overuse, one that really provokes thought.

Even if we call it sinusitis, you don’t always need an antibiotic. This article explains why.

Think you need an antibiotic because you’ve got green snot (gag!)? Not necessarily; here is a great explanation.

You can find some tips for relief here.