headache and fever as directed by
your doctor.
Drink extra water, juice and
soups.
Cough medicines should only be
used once in a while. If you have
trouble sleeping at night because of
your cough, try taking an over-the-
counter cough medicine.
You should
never
use someone
J
ust because you have a
cough or bronchitis does
not
mean you need an
antibiotic.
Here is why your doctor
may
not
prescribe antibiotics for you:
More than 90 percent of coughs
(
including bronchitis) in adults are
caused by
viruses
.
Antibiotics do
not kill viruses. Your body will kill
the viruses on its own.
e cough can last for a few
weeks even after the infection is
gone.
You can do something to
feel
better
in the meantime.
You can:
Take acetaminophen (like
Tylenol) or ibuprofen (like Advil
and Motrin) for throat pain,
Bronchitis and other
cough illnesses in adults
else’s inhaler or medicine.
Sometimes when your doctor
thinks it will help, he or she may
prescribe an inhaler for your
cough. is should only be used as
directed by your doctor.
If your doctor does prescribe an
antibiotic:
Take
all
of your antibiotic
as directed
,
even if you feel
better before you’ve nished
your antibiotic. Taking all your
antibiotics can help to prevent
getting sick again.
Stop
the antibiotic and
call
your doctor if a rash or prolonged
diarrhea develops.
Never
use leftover antibiotics—
yours or anyone else’s.
Talk to your doctor about taking
the right drug for the right bug!
Source: Alliance Working for Antibiotic Resistance Education
Presorted Standard
U.S. Postage
PAID
Walla Walla,
WA
Permit No. 44
Si necesita esta información en español, llame al 800-391-2000.
Winter • 2013
health
family