In a crucial health advisory, kidney specialist Dr Arjun Sabharwal has issued a strong warning against the common practice of taking antibiotics for ailments like sore throats and colds. He emphasizes that these medications are ineffective against viral infections and that the human body is capable of self-recovery within a short span.
The Science Behind Viral vs. Bacterial Infections
Dr Sabharwal, in a recent Instagram post, stated clearly, "Science is clear, antibiotics don’t work for viral infections. In 3-5 days, the body recovers by itself." He urged people to stop using drugs like azithromycin as a default remedy, arguing that it deprives the body of the chance to mount its own defence. "We are not giving the body a chance to fight. If there is a viral, take supportive treatment and let the body work. Antibiotic is not an insurance policy," he added.
This view is strongly supported by other medical experts. Dr Amit Saraf, Director of Internal Medicine at Jupiter Hospital in Thane, explained that viruses are responsible for the vast majority of common illnesses. "Viruses cause most sore throats, colds, coughs, and flu-like illnesses. Antibiotics like azithromycin only work against bacteria, not viruses," he said. In viral cases, these drugs neither shorten the illness duration, alleviate symptoms, nor prevent complications.
Why Are Antibiotics Still Misused?
Dr Saraf shed light on the alarming statistics, noting that about 80 to 90 per cent of upper respiratory infections in outpatients are viral, caused by pathogens like rhinovirus, influenza, and RSV. True bacterial throat infections constitute a minor percentage and require definitive clinical signs or diagnostic tests before antibiotic prescription is justified.
Despite this knowledge, the misuse persists. Dr Saraf attributes this to a psychological comfort factor. "Patients often feel reassured when given a pill, and doctors sometimes feel pressured to prescribe them. However, medicine today is focused on accuracy, not unnecessary use," he pointed out. This highlights a gap between medical best practices and patient expectations.
The Hidden Dangers of Unnecessary Antibiotics
Contrary to the belief that a short course is harmless, Dr Saraf stresses that no medication is without risk. Antibiotics can cause immediate side effects like stomach upset, diarrhoea, and allergic reactions. They also disrupt the gut's natural bacterial balance. More severely, they can sometimes affect kidney or liver function.
The most significant long-term threat, however, is antibiotic resistance. When antibiotics are used unnecessarily, bacteria evolve and develop mechanisms to survive them. "Later, when someone has a real bacterial infection, regular antibiotics may no longer work. This makes infections tougher to treat, more costly, and sometimes life-threatening," Dr Saraf described. This silent buildup of resistance is a growing public health crisis.
So, what is the correct approach? Doctors recommend that if symptoms suggest influenza or another viral illness, specific tests like a flu swab can guide treatment. Antibiotics should be prescribed based on clinical evidence, not assumption. For typical viral illnesses, the treatment is supportive: ample rest, hydration, fever management, and symptom relief. Giving the body time to recover is often the best option.
The final advice from experts is unequivocal. Antibiotics are not a fallback option for every sniffle and cough. "Trust the diagnosis, manage the symptoms, and save antibiotics for when they are truly needed," concludes Dr Saraf. This shift in mindset is essential for individual health and for preserving the efficacy of these crucial drugs for future generations.
