The cold and flu season is beginning and the State Health Department is offering some advice to Missourians. It’s involved in a new campaign to help build awareness about appropriate antibiotic use. In short, the Department believes antibiotics are the wrong medicines for colds and flu. Mark Buxton, the Department’s Antibiotic Resistance Education Coordinator, says antibiotics are wonderful medicines, but they will not work on viruses – they only kill bacteria. Buxton’s advice for anyone feeling verysick is to see a doctor. Short of that, plenty of rest and plenty of fluids make a good treatment.
