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Kidney specialist Dr Arjun Sabharwal urged people to stop taking antibiotics like azithromycin for sore throats. “Science is clear, antibiotics don’t work for viral infections. In 3-5 days, the body recovers by itself. 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,” said Dr Sabharwal in an Instagram post. Taking a cue from his statement, let’s understand if this is sound advice.
Viruses cause most sore throats, colds, coughs, and flu-like illnesses. Antibiotics like azithromycin only work against bacteria, not viruses, said Dr Amit Saraf, director of internal medicine at Jupiter Hospital, Thane. “In these cases, they do not shorten the illness, reduce symptoms, or prevent complications,” said Dr Saraf.
How common are viral infections compared to bacterial ones?
According to Dr Saraf, in about 80 to 90 per cent of outpatients, upper respiratory infections are viral. “Common causes include rhinovirus, influenza, RSV, and seasonal viral flu. True bacterial throat infections make up a much smaller percentage and require clear clinical signs or tests before antibiotics are prescribed,” said Dr Saraf.
Then why are antibiotics still so commonly used for sore throats or colds?
Many people believe antibiotics act as a safety net. “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,” said Dr Saraf.
Are antibiotics harmless if taken for a few days?
No medication is harmless, said Dr Saraf. “Antibiotics can lead to side effects like stomach upset, diarrhoea, allergic reactions, and changes in gut bacteria. In some cases, they might impact kidney or liver function. A bigger concern is antibiotic resistance, which builds up quietly over time.”
When antibiotics are used unnecessarily, bacteria adapt 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,” described Dr Saraf.
Should people get tested before taking antibiotics?
If symptoms suggest influenza or another viral illness, tests such as a flu swab can help guide treatment. Not every sore throat needs testing, but antibiotics should be prescribed based on clinical evidence, not assumptions.
What works?
Viral illnesses typically follow a natural course and improve within 3 to 5 days. Treatment focuses on rest, hydration, fever control, and symptom relief. Giving the body time to recover is often the best option, said Dr Saraf.
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Antibiotics are not a fallback option. “Trust the diagnosis, manage the symptoms, and save antibiotics for when they are truly needed,” said Dr Saraf.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
