Soothe a sore throat with ice chips, popsicles, lozenges (only for older children and adults), warm beverages, or by gargling with salt water, Hymes recommended.
A warm compress over the nose and forehead can help relieve sinus pressure. For older children and adults, other options include a decongestant or saline nasal spray, or breathing in steam from the shower or a bowl of hot water.
Over-the-counter medications can help. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist about their use.
If your doctor does prescribe antibiotics, it’s important to take every dose. Never share antibiotics, never use them without a prescription, and never keep extra antibiotics “for the next time,” Hymes said.
You can reduce your family’s chances of needing antibiotics by taking preventive measures such as getting recommended vaccinations, maintaining good hand hygiene and covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, he added.
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Are You Overusing Antibiotics? was originally published on blackdoctor.org
