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CDC: Try Fluids and Humidifiers before Antibiotics for Colds

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In the heart of the cold and flu season, many patients show up at the doctor's office seeking antibiotics -- but antibiotics don't always work and sometimes they're actually harmful.

Some antibiotics cause bad drug reactions and overuse can make germs more resistant to treatment.

That's why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is encouraging doctors to avoid prescribing unnecessary antibiotics.

The new guidelines suggest doctors should initially treat symptoms by prescribing humidifiers, lots of fluid and over the counter medicines. If the patient gets worse, they can always come back for prescription drugs.

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