Dear Doctor Garner,
I am feeling lousy. I have a runny nose and cough, plus my muscles feel a little “achy”
I don’t have much of a fever, but don’t feel well enough to work. I asked my doctor for antibiotics (a Z- pack) that helped my friend but he told me it was not necessary for me. The cold is lasting now for at least a week and I am beginning to get frustrated.
Should I be looking for another doctor?
Concerned about my Cold in Cobble Hill

Dear Concerned,
I am very happy to hear that your doctor did not give you the antibiotic you were requesting. All too often, doctors given in to patients and prescribe antibiotics for viral colds. In short, antibiotics are only effective against bacteria- not viruses. The common cold is caused by a virus and will not be affected by antibiotics.
In addition to the common cold, over 95% of ear infections and sinus infections are causes by viruses, and should not be treated with antibiotics. If there is a question that a patient might have a sore throat caused by a bacteria known as “Strep”, then a quick culture can be obtained to verify this. If verified, then antibiotics may be started.
Unfortunately, there is an overabundance of unnecessary antibiotics prescribed which has led to the dangerous situation of resistant bacteria. In other words, the antibiotics that should have been effective against bacteria are not, and as a result, we now have “super bacteria” which are killing many people each year.
As I have received so many questions about the common cold, I thought we could review what it is and what people should be doing to make it better.
The common cold is a viral infection that usually has symptoms of nasal congestion, a clear, runny nose, sneezing, scratchy throat and general feeling of tiredness.
In spite of all advances in medicine, there is no cure for the common cold. The main reason, is that the common cold is not just caused by one virus, but is actually caused by a group of over 200 viruses, which can change ( mutate frequently), so that one does not develop immunity after experiencing it, as it changes it’s makeup so often.
Most people in good health will not need to see a doctor for the common cold.
Some reasons to see a doctor, include, fever of over 101 for three days or more, have a history of asthma, or other chronic lung problems, a history of frequent ear infections, chest pains or bloody mucous from the mouth or throat..
One is more prone to the common cold, if their immune system is not working properly. Causes of a weakened immune system include, stress or lack of sleep or poor r eating habits. The virus is spread by touching, such as handshaking, or breathing in droplets in the air after someone has coughed or sneezed.
The diagnosis of a common cold is made by history and physical exam. Most people, I believe, know when they have the common cold. It is different from the flu, which comes on much more severely, with higher fever, severe fatigue, and terrible muscle aches.
There are many treatments available for the common cold, some which have been proven to work, and others which do not have enough proof to state that they work or don’t work.
For example, some people swear by zinc, Echinacea, and vitamin c in reducing the number of colds or the severity. . Unfortunately, there have been no good scientific studies to verify their effectiveness. As there does not seem to be any significant harmful effects from taking the above, I believe that after discussing the situation with their own doctors, that patients may safely decide to take these medications. It is important to avoid zinc nasal spray however, which has been associated with loss of smell.
For pain relief and fever control, Tylenol, aspirin (avoid use in children and adolescents) and Motrin are excellent choices.
For cough and congestion, there are numerous medications available. Surprisingly, recent reviews of the medical literature indicate no definite proof that cough medicines and decongestants actually work.
If you feel that cough medicine has helped you in the past, then it is appropriate to continue taking it. As for runny nose and congestion, one of the newer antihistamines combined with a decongestant, such as “Claritin D” may help relieve some symptoms.
A cool mist humidifier and air purified may also be of help, as well as a steam shower, to clear decongestion.
Drinking as much liquid as possible is important (at least 8 glasses of water per day) as it keeps the mucus from becoming thick and causing congestion.
Chicken soup is actually quite good at keeping you hydrated and breaking up some of the congestion. Avoid nasal decongestants if possible, as they can cause a rebound or worsening of symptoms when stopping the medication and may become habit forming.
The best way to deal with the common cold is to avoid contact with people who have it.
Use the elbow bump instead of shaking hands. If you must shake hands, carry “Purell” or other sanitizers or make sure to wash your hands frequently.
Eat well balanced meals and make sure you get as many vitamins as possible from real food, instead of pill form.
Make sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night and when you are sick, don’t go into work until you feel better.
I hope this helps you and that you are patient in waiting out the end of the symptoms. Above all, do not pressure your doctor for antibiotics. This will help not only you, but our society in general, as we will be able to maintain antibiotics which are effective in treating the bacteria they were made for.
Until next time, have a great week and be well.

*Reprinted with the permission of The Tablet