Kidney specialist says antibiotics don’t work for viral infections: ‘In 3-5 days, body recovers by itself’
Published on: Dec. 24, 2025, 11:30 p.m. | Source: The Indian Express
Medical experts Dr. Arjun Sabharwal and Dr. Amit Saraf caution against the common misuse of antibiotics for sore throats and colds, noting that 80 to 90 percent of these respiratory illnesses are viral and cannot be cured by antibacterial medication. Because viral infections typically resolve naturally within three to five days, taking antibiotics like azithromycin as a "safety net" is ineffective and can lead to adverse side effects, including gut health disruption and potential kidney or liver strain. More critically, unnecessary use fuels antibiotic resistance, rendering these vital drugs useless against future, life-threatening bacterial infections. Instead of rushing to medication, the experts recommend supportive care—such as rest, hydration, and symptom management—to allow the body's immune system to function correctly, reserving antibiotics only for clinically confirmed bacterial cases.
