Did you know that 10 of the most common ailments treated by primary care physicians can also be treated by you at home?
- Back pain
- Dermatitis
- Heartburn and indigestion
- Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)
- Constipation
- Migraine
- Cough
- Acne
- Sprains and strains
- Headache
Antibiotics
Each year, 25% of the population visits their primary care physician for a respiratory tract infection (e.g., sinusitis, strep throat, or chest infection). These are usually caused by viruses.
In patients who are otherwise healthy, antibiotics are not necessary for viral infections. These infections usually clear up if you rest at home, drink plenty of fluids, and take acetaminophen.
Ear infections usually last 4 days
89% of cases clear up on their own
Strep throat usually lasts 7 days
40% of cases clear up after 3 days and 90% after 7 days without antibiotics
Sinusitis usually lasts 17 days
80% clears up in 14 days without antibiotics
Cough/bronchitis usually lasts 21 days
Antibiotics reduce symptoms by only 1 day. Antibiotics are only effective for infections caused by bacteria. Unnecessary use of antibiotics for viral infections should be avoided, as they may not be effective for the next bacterial infection.
Patients with long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes and COPD should get flu and pneumococcal vaccines. Ask at the GPO reception desk for more information.
