Cold/sore throat with fever - do you take antibiotics immediately? Or do you giv
By kalav56
@kalav56 (11464)
India
March 18, 2011 7:15am CST
I have been suffering from cold and fever. I thought I would be able to manage with anti allergy tablets and some paracetamol Calpol and had been managing for the first few days. But, suddenly it became worse and I started getting high fever. So, I decided to consult the doctor and now I am on antibiotics. Usually, I wait for an ordinary cold to settle down and take its own course but this time it has obviously been accompanied by some viral infection.
Do you start antibiotics as soon as you get a cold and fever or do you give it some time?
9 people like this
27 responses
@lovinangelsinstead21 (36850)
• Pamplona, Spain
18 Mar 11
Hiya kalav,
Me I just let the Cold come up to a point without taking anything. If it does not go away with ordinary things like infusions and warm drinks like Red Tea with a little Honey.
Then I go for eating lighther for a Day or two till it starts to respond.
It usually does the trick without me taking anitbiotics.
Given the real need to take them I would of course but up to now I have had no need.
Have not taken any antitbiotics for years now.
Lucky me I suppose.xxx![](/Content/images/emotes/happy.gif)
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@lovinangelsinstead21 (36850)
• Pamplona, Spain
7 May 11
Hiya kalav,
Have been in a Store this Afternoon and was sneezing away but only in there no idea why though but I have not taken anything except warm soothing drinks like Red Tea. Have bought some very good Honey that is local from around here and have that handy for just in case.
Very changeable weather too so there are lots of chances to come down with colds also but fingers crossed no proper Colds so far.
Also another place where I go has still been using hot air heating and I think that causes lots of Colds too as I had a scratchy sore throat for a few hours but it went off.
Hoping all of you are well.xxx![](/Content/images/emotes/happy.gif)
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@dpk262006 (58677)
• Delhi, India
21 Mar 11
Hi Kala!
Hope you would be better now. The way pollution level is rising and the atmosphere becoming dirty, it would be adivisable to take antibiotics if one catches cold/sore throat. I have also experienced that till I take antibiotics with anti-allergic tablets, I do not get fully cured and it takes some 4-5 days.
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
21 Mar 11
You have an absolutely valid point there Deepak! It did not find antihistamine sufficient and I have had this now for the past 10 days. I started antibiotics after the first 5 days. I must have started it earleir. Usually, I go to the doctor immediately to get some antibiotics. There is an old doctor near our old house too but now that we shifted recently I just could not get hold of a particular doctor nearby. Finally, my doctor cousin gave me the medicine and I had it for 3 days. I must continue it now. I am feeling better but it has not left me as yet.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58677)
• Delhi, India
21 Mar 11
Hope antibiotics would be making an affect you and you will be back to normal soon.
Many thanks for the best response.
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@sacmom (14192)
• United States
19 Mar 11
No, I don't. I'd only take something if the fever was bordering on the dangerous side.
Last year I had a really bad flu. Never did take any kind of medication for it. I just got lots and lots of rest. Some might call me crazy for doing that, but I hate taking medication and would rather avoid it if I can.
Happy mylotting!
1 person likes this
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
21 Mar 11
That is admirable and each person's system gets used to a type of treatment.Whatever the case is, absolute rest is a must but this was what I could not take. THanks for the participation. My husband also believes that the antibodies of a person ought to be allowed to fight.
@gerald_lian (2188)
• Australia
19 Mar 11
If I suffer from a cold/sore throat and fever, I will normally give it some time to heal first. While I wait, I will rest more and drink lots of fluids. If the condition worsens, I will perhaps take paracetamol for the fever and body pains, and maybe Strepsils or Difflam for the sore throat. I normally won't take anything for the cold because it is usually self-limiting and caused by viral infection. I would not start on antibiotics immediately because antibiotics are meant to kill bacteria and not viruses (which will be the most common cause of colds) so I will normally reserve antibiotics until the point where I see the doctor and the doctor suspects the infection is cause by bacteria. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can lead to widespread bacteria resistance, and there might be a day where certain antibiotics won't be useful to treat bacterial infections anymore. Antibiotics should be used wisely and based on the need for it. ![](/Content/images/emotes/rolleyes.gif)
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1 person likes this
@jaiho2009 (39141)
• Philippines
18 Mar 11
hello dear,
I do not take medicine immediately for colds/sore throat or cough.
I tried with home remedies first,but with having fever,i have to consider seeing doctor then.
Get well soon and have plenty of water,chicken soup and ginger tea as well.
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@kalav56 (11464)
• India
18 Mar 11
Hijaaiho!I too try hot water
and home remedies. THis time, it became worse because I could not take proper rest too. Yesterday onwards I am on antibiotics becasue I felt it is a sinus infection.I hope to get well soon.I have plenty of ginger tea.THanks for kickstarting the discussion.
2 people like this
@jaiho2009 (39141)
• Philippines
18 Mar 11
Don't mention dear (you are most welcome)
Antibiotics made me sick more,but what to do...
Try to relax and have rest...get well soon![](/Content/images/emotes/cool.gif)
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1 person likes this
@allknowing (132209)
• India
18 Mar 11
I believe in homoeopathy and at the first sign I know what medicines I have to take and invariably the symptoms disappear.
1 person likes this
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
18 Mar 11
Once you get used to homeopathy, you faithfully go with it.A lawyer friend used to do thiS.He suggested a good homeopath for me when I had some chronic infection and I too had had this.However, my infection is a severe one and I later did not have the patience .
@allknowing (132209)
• India
18 Mar 11
Actually kala even those who do not take homoeopathy they do not resort to antibiotics at the very start and you were not wrong in waiting. But this viral infection takes time to take root in one's system and that is what happened to you. Hope you will now fully recover.
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@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
24 Mar 11
Personally most doctors I have ever known do not want to give me anything even with me being Diabetic unless I have had the cold awhile and it seems to be getting worse. Even when I have a sore throat and fever. The last time I had a sore throat they did not even want to Test for strep. But luckily for me, I have been able to keep away from a cold the last couple of yrs. and am Glad. Hope you feel better soon.
@CynergyDiva (805)
• Canada
8 Apr 11
Yes diabetics have to be so careful. My Spouse passed me a cold and it sent my sugar into the the stratosphere. It's been nearly 2 months and I'm still not right.
xoxo
Cyne
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
18 Mar 11
Kala not fair !
yesterday I wondered from where I got my sore throat, body ache and fever, and now I know
. I can't even begin to tell you what it is like? eyes watering and me croaking
I had hot lemon juice with honey and ginger yesterday night and hot rasam today, feeling a lot better today.I never take antibiotic unless my doctor ( sister) advises me. She has told me to rub vicks and take a paracetamol and sleep....How do you feel now kala? hope you are getting better, take care !
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@kalav56 (11464)
• India
18 Mar 11
oH Sorry Kiran! I have been trying diligently to close my face , nose and eyes when I am near the baby but I have been careless when I was in the compound and road.That is why it has wafted on via the west coast.
Joking apart, don't leave it more than 4 days. For me it was a kind of relapse or 'not cured but lying dormant to surface later' kind of infection.I had diligently taken antiallergy tablets and paracetamol but it became a sever infection , suddenly flared up and yesterday I felt like a furnace.
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@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
19 Mar 11
I hope you are getting better kala, Everybody here seems to be down with something or the other.I am feeling a lot better today, but still a bit lethargic. I have so many pending jobs , but dont feel like doing anything except just lie down, will be ok in a day or two...all the best, take lots of rest and have fun with little Raghu![](/Content/images/emotes/happy.gif)
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@CynergyDiva (805)
• Canada
8 Apr 11
Personally, I never take antibiotics for colds. We're getting to a point where antibiotics are losing their effectiveness because of over use. I know some people who, as soon as they start sniffling, run to the doctor for antibiotics. I think that's crazy. We can go so far in stopping the spread of colds and flu if people would just keep their friggin' hands clean
xoxo
Cyne
@pickwick (858)
• India
14 Aug 11
Hi Kala,
Have you heard about the new theory that germs do not actually cause disease but they are there in the organs trying to move the diseased state.You migt be thinking that I have gone nuts, maybe i will start a discussion about this.Having said this I never take antibiotics as soon as I get a cold.I take warm milk with pepper , turmeric and honey to get relief.I also use sujok or color therapy to treat myself.I am responding so late to this discussion as you know I was away for a long time.But now I am back and will be here as I used to be.
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
16 Aug 11
I am sure you have sufficient evidence to prove your statement.It is so nice to see you.How are you and how is the little boy? My heart always goes out to you both and I pray for that little one sincerely.May God be with you! How are you?
GOod to hear that you will be seen here again.What is that colour therapy?
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
18 Mar 11
Hi kalav
Even if I want, I cannot take any of these antibiotics without my doctor's advice and for that I have to go to Hyderabad. So I have no option but to wait for a few days to get the cold subside on its own or if it doesnt, I take some homeopathy medicines only.
The reason for my not being able to go with any antibiotics or Allopathy is because of the steroids and other medicines that I have been taking regularly for my colitis issue
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@SViswan (12051)
• India
19 Mar 11
My husband's a pharmacologist and I always take his advice in health matters. We avoid antibiotics if we can help it. It's been ages since we visited the doctor unless an equipment was needed or tests needed to be done.
Viral infections are doing the round. Most of my friends with kids are complaining.
@ElicBxn (63394)
• United States
21 Mar 11
I can tell when my cold had become bronchitis on that first bronchitis cough. Its at that point I call the doctor. When I first started going to this doctor the nurse asked how I knew I had bronchitis... I asked her how many times do I have to have it before I know what it is. She doesn't ask now...
@skysuccess (8858)
• Singapore
19 Mar 11
kalav56,
You may want to try what I always do when I have a cold or bronchial cough where I will "listen" to my inclinations.
Normally, I would be very tired where I will be eager for a sound slumber. So, I will apply seek to be absent from work. Next, I will be ingest some relief medication like antihistamines and decongestants before going to bed. You may also want to boil some fresh ginger with brown sugar for your thirst quencher for the day. Normally, I would be alright by the end of the day, otherwise, I will be making a visit to the doctor to obtain a prescription like antibiotics and/or vaccine to manage my condition.
I hope that you will be better now or you may want to try what I've advocated above to see if it could help you.
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
19 Mar 11
Thank you skysuccess. I too have had some very severe and long bouts of throat infection and cold and fever and this was in the year 2002. Later it kept recurring but once I relocated to Mumbai, the attacks have been infrequent and less severe thanks to an old doctor who gave me some medicine the first time here. I too pop in antihistamine immdiately and try salt water gargling , hot peppe rasam, garlic rasam etc.., This time it went out of control unexpectedly because there was some exertion and finally I had to have prescribed antibiotics. Thanks for sharing your tips.Shall add ginger with brown sugar boiled water to my list.![](/Content/images/emotes/happy.gif)
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@comfort55 (1574)
• India
22 Mar 11
hi kala, I hope uou must be well by now as I am esponding after quite a few days you posted your discussion...I usually start with home remedies when I have cold/sore throat and try to avoid medicines. If this does not help then I start with common medicines available at the medical stores like coldarin or like.If it lingers on for a longer period then only I consult doctor and take antibiotics. Cheers!
@sender621 (14894)
• United States
19 Mar 11
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@donski (132)
• Philippines
20 Mar 11
first, i drink a lot of water. i boil ginger and use it as my gurgle and drink it like tea. it is very effective for me. then if i have high fever, i take a bath to lower down my temperature. but is the symptoms become worst, i think you really have to consult your doctor maybe you have other complications other that fever.
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