No antibiotics for cough, colds and ear infections

Patients are to be refused antibiotics for coughs, colds and ear infections, under strict new guidance to doctors. By Rebecca Smith, Medical Editor Last year 38 million prescriptions for antibiotics were written by GPs at a cost to the NHS of _175 million Photo: GETTY The drugs are not necessary in most cases, do not work against many of the infections and contribute to the spread of lethal hospital superbugs like MRSA, experts said. Family doctors routinely prescribe antibiotics for common respiratory infections such as sore throats. But GPs claim they often feel under pressure from patients who are angered if they are refused treatment. Now the NHS drugs rationing body, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), has issued new guidance to doctors telling them not to prescribe antibiotics to patients... [read full story]