IMPROPER use and abuse of antibiotics can be fatal.

During this rainy season, one can  easily get infected with cold and cough virus. The best cure is prevention. Self-medicating with antibiotics is not the solution. Antibiotics are completely useless against colds.

Antibiotics are powerful drugs designed to kill bacteria, but colds are viruses so it has no effect on them. By needlessly taking antibiotics you are putting yourself at risk of side effects such as an upset stomach, and contributing to the growing problem of drug resistance caused by overuse of these meds. If you’re really feeling bad, try an over-the-counter remedy to feel more comfortable instead.

Vitamin C, Echinacea, zinc and ginseng are known to be cold salves but the latest studies indicate they may not live up to the hype. Vitamin C has been shown to prevent colds to people who live in extremely chilly climates or are exercising at marathon-training intensity. For them, a daily dose of a couple hundred milligrams cut cold incidence. But it is not clear to others in different condition.

Echinacea is effective but some products on the market today are so choked with filler ingredients, they don’t even contain the herb. On the other hand, be warned before picking a zinc product. Some zinc cold preventers have actually been shown to damage smell.