Do Not Immediately Take Antibiotics for Colds and Flu

Yeditepe University Kozyatağı Hospital Infectious Diseases specialist stated that antibiotic treatment is not needed in 80 out of every 100 patients who have respiratory tract infections in autumn and winter, "Because 80 percent of developing respiratory tract infections are caused by viruses and the remaining part is caused by bacteria. Antibiotics are only used to treat infectious diseases caused by bacteria."

In the statement of our specialist, it was observed that especially respiratory tract infections increased these days when winter started to manifest itself, and one of the biggest mistakes made at this point was to turn to antibiotics as soon as the symptoms started.

Our specialist, who also gave information about what can be done against diseases such as sore throat and colds, which are the most common health problems, especially in autumn and winter, pointed out that colds are often confused with flu, but there are significant differences between them. Sore throat, nasal discharge, as well as dry cough in colds caused by many kinds, and several viruses, sometimes point out that mild fever can be seen, so a  person can encounter several different viruses and subtypes during the season and get more than one of these diseases.

"Antibiotics have no benefit in treating colds and flu."

They said that the flu, which develops due to influenza viruses, starts with a sore throat, whereas it progresses to fever, severe muscle pain, headache, and even joint pain at 38.5 and above degrees.

Underlining that antibiotics are of no use in the treatment of colds and flu, our specialist noted that they will lead to the development of resistance to beneficial  flora bacteria in the body when used unnecessarily:

 "80 out of every 100 patients with respiratory tract infections in autumn and winter do not need antibiotic treatment. Because 80% of developing respiratory infections are caused by viruses and the rest by bacteria. Antibiotics are only used to treat infections caused by bacteria. The flu that develops in people outside the cold and risk group will heal on its own in 5-7 days. Perhaps the most common diseases in which natural treatment methods alleviate complaints and provide faster recovery are colds and influenza, which develop in people outside the risk group. In addition to getting enough rest, nutrition, and sufficient fluids to support people who have been diagnosed with a cold or flu by a physician, some natural products can also be used. In addition, it should not be forgotten that natural products may interact with various drugs, and  especially individuals who use various drugs due to their chronic diseases should definitely consult a physician in this  regard."

"Garlic is a natural product that has also been accepted as effective in colds"

They also stated that garlic is a natural product that has been accepted to be effective in colds, that it can reduce the frequency and number of diseases when used regularly, and that it can accelerate healing in such cases.

Emphasizing that echinacea is also an effective natural plant in viral upper respiratory tract infections, Büke stated that it can be used in various ways for this purpose.

They also emphasized that the use of vitamin C in the period before winter months may reduce the risk of developing catarrh and colds, and noted that trace amounts of zinc, which is found in all cells in the body, also play an important role in cell proliferation, immune response, and neurological functions, so it can reduce the duration and severity of the disease if used as soon as cold complaints begin.

Yeditepe Specialists pointed out that it is also possible to get zinc with foods, adding that it is found extensively in shellfish, offal, legumes, and wheat seeds.

"Honey water with lemon to relieve sore throat"

Stating that sore throat can occur during viral infections such as colds and flu, as well as in the case of angina caused by bacteria, especially group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, Specialists said that this bacterium can cause carditis and nephritis in the kidney valves, especially in children aged 5-15 years.

Emphasizing that a physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment in cases such as a bump, sore throat, and cold, they made the following recommendations that can be applied to relieve sore throat:

"Drinking 1 coffee spoon of honey and half a lemon juice in 250 milliliters of hot water can relieve sore throat. Thanks to the antioxidant effect of this mixture, inflammation in the throat is also alleviated.  Gargling with salt or bicarbonate water can also be applied in this process.  Also, honey onion syrup and eucalyptus juice may help to alleviate complaints."