Study: Antibiotics still overprescribed despite warnings

October 3, 2013 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- Next time you're treated for a cold, bronchitis or the flu you may want to question your doctor if you're prescribed antibiotics.

Despite repeated warnings that the drugs do not work for illnesses caused by viruses, a new study shows doctors are still prescribing them at a high rate.

Overuse of antibiotics breeds drug- resistant germs.

Antibiotics treat only illnesses caused by bacteria including some forms of pneumonia, urinary infections, eye and ear infections and food poisoning.

Researchers point out only about 10 percent of sore throats are caused by strep bacteria, which antibiotics can treat.

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