When is antibiotic treatment necessary?

Antibiotics are powerful medications designed to fight bacterial infections. When used properly, they can prevent serious complications and even save lives. But many people mistakenly believe antibiotics are a “cure-all” for any fever, sore throat, or cough — even when the illness is caused by a virus. This misunderstanding leads to unnecessary antibiotic use, which may cause harm and contributes to antibiotic resistance, making future infections harder to treat.

Understanding when antibiotics are truly needed — and when they are not — can help you recover safely and avoid complications during your stay in Israel.

❌ When antibiotics are not usually needed:

Many common illnesses are viral and resolve on their own or with supportive care:

• Colds and the flu – caused by viruses, not bacteria. Antibiotics will not help.

• Sore throat – most cases are viral. Only strep throat, diagnosed by a doctor (sometimes with a swab), requires antibiotics.

• Cough and bronchitis – typically caused by viruses, especially in healthy adults.

• Runny nose and sinus congestion – unless lasting more than 10 days or getting worse after initial improvement.

• Stomach bugs (viral gastroenteritis) – most diarrhea and vomiting in travelers are viral.

Taking antibiotics in these cases won’t speed recovery and may cause side effects like diarrhea, nausea, yeast infections, or allergic reactions.

✅ When antibiotics may be necessary:

Certain bacterial infections require antibiotic treatment to prevent complications:

• Strep throat – diagnosed by a doctor, sometimes with a rapid strep test or throat culture.

• Bacterial sinusitis – symptoms lasting more than 10 days or worsening after initial improvement.

• Pneumonia – suggested by persistent fever, productive cough, shortness of breath, and confirmed by physical exam or chest X-ray.

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) – with classic symptoms like painful urination, urgency, and a positive urine test.

• Skin infections – with spreading redness, swelling, or pus.

• Ear infections – in young children or adults with severe symptoms.

If you're uncertain whether your symptoms are due to a virus or bacteria, it's best to consult a doctor in Tel Aviv for proper evaluation. In our clinic, we offer rapid diagnostic tests for strep throat, urine infections, and sometimes even influenza, which can help us avoid unnecessary antibiotics.

ℹ️ What you can do as a patient:

• Avoid self-medicating with leftover antibiotics or antibiotics bought without a prescription.

• Trust your doctor’s advice – if your physician recommends rest and fluids rather than antibiotics, it’s usually because your body can fight the infection naturally.

• Ask about warning signs that should prompt a follow-up, such as high fever, shortness of breath, worsening pain, or persistent symptoms.

• Let your doctor know if you're traveling — some infections are more common in certain areas and require different treatments.

Getting sick during your trip is never fun, but it doesn’t always mean you need antibiotics. At our clinic in Tel Aviv, we’re here to help you feel better — whether you need medication or simply guidance and reassurance.