Do bugs need drugs?

Do Bugs need drugs?

You know about lady bugs, beetles and bees,
There are other bugs, very much smaller than these, 

Called bacteria, viruses, microbes and germs,
As microscope viewing so clearly confirms…

Please take a minute to read the rest of this poem presented by medical doctor and microbiologist Dr. Blondel-Hill at this website:  http://www.dobugsneeddrugs.org/public/poem.html

This past week I’ve battled a sore throat/laryngitis/bronchitis and steadily got sicker.  A visit to a nurse practitioner (my doctor’s day off) turned the tide for me; I’m now recovering with medications.

Did I have a virus or a germ (bacteria)?  I don’t know.  The nurse practitioner listened to my lungs and looked at my throat and said I needed antibiotics.

I’ll be honest with you; often I’m not sure when I need antibiotics and when I don’t.  You don’t need antibiotics for a viral infection; you do need antibiotics for germ (bacterial) infection.  It is hard to be objective about myself and sometimes it is hard to know the best treatment.  That’s why I have a good doctor to help make that decision. 

Do you utilize your medical resources when you are sick (and when you are healthy)?  It is a good idea to have a family doctor/internal medicine practitioner who will help you make the right decision when your throat is sore and you question whether you need antibiotics or not.