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Antibiotics for colds — the evidence
The common cold is viral, and antibiotics do nothing to viruses. They add side effects and drive resistance. The only time antibiotics belong in the picture is a bacterial complication — an ear infection, sinusitis that has gone on for weeks, or pneumonia — and that is a clinician's call.
O que a evidência diz
Verdict: Harmful. The common cold is viral, and antibiotics do nothing to viruses. They add side effects and drive resistance. The only time antibiotics belong in the picture is a bacterial complication — an ear infection, sinusitis that has gone on for weeks, or pneumonia — and that is a clinician's call.
O que realmente fazer
Do not ask for them and do not use leftovers. The change that means "see a doctor" is not the runny nose but the second phase: getting better, then worse again with a fever, or symptoms dragging past 10-14 days.
Source: NICE CKS — common cold · checked 2026-09-07
Referência de autocuidado, não conselho médico. Crianças, adultos mais velhos, gravidez e quem tem uma condição de longa duração devem ter um limiar mais baixo para ligar a um clínico. Sintomas graves ou que pioram, dificuldade para respirar ou confusão: procure ajuda médica.