Understanding Urgent Care Clinics and Antibiotic Prescriptions

When you're feeling under the weather and can't get an appointment with your regular doctor, urgent care clinics can be a convenient option. However, a recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine has revealed that people who visit these clinics may be more likely to receive prescriptions for unnecessary antibiotics.

The Study's Findings

Researchers analyzed 156 million insurance claims from 2014 and discovered that 46% of patients treated at urgent care centers for viral conditions, such as the common cold, flu, or viral bronchitis, were prescribed antibiotics. This is a concerning finding, as antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections and have no impact on viruses.

The Risks of Unnecessary Antibiotic Use

Taking antibiotics when they are not needed can lead to several problems, including:

• Increased risk of antibiotic resistance

• Disruption of the body's natural gut bacteria

• Potential side effects, such as digestive issues or allergic reactions

Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern, as it makes treating bacterial infections more difficult and can lead to the development of "superbugs" that are resistant to multiple antibiotics.

What You Can Do

To ensure you receive the appropriate treatment when visiting an urgent care clinic, it's essential to ask your healthcare provider whether your condition is viral or bacterial. If you are diagnosed with a viral infection, antibiotics will not be effective, and your provider should recommend alternative treatments, such as rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to manage symptoms.

If you are prescribed antibiotics, be sure to take them exactly as directed and complete the full course of treatment, even if you start feeling better. Never share your antibiotics with others or save them for future use, as this can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance.

Additional Resources

• World Health Organization: Antibiotic Resistance

• Mayo Clinic: Antibiotics: Are you misusing them?

By understanding the risks associated with unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions and advocating for appropriate treatment, you can help protect your health and contribute to the global effort to combat antibiotic resistance.