Title: Medical Expert Debunks Common Cold and Flu Misconceptions for Effective Treatment
Tehran – A leading Iranian infectious disease specialist has provided crucial advice on distinguishing between the common cold and influenza, while cautioning the public against common but ineffective self-treatment practices that can hinder recovery and contribute to broader health issues.
Distinguishing the Illness
Dr. Afshin Moniri, a specialist from a major medical sciences university, emphasized the importance of correctly identifying the illness. “A common cold almost always resolves without any serious complications,” Dr. Moniri stated. “Influenza, however, can lead to more severe problems, such as lung infections.” He noted that an early diagnosis of the flu can lead to more appropriate treatment and potentially prevent secondary complications.
The Injectable Medication Myth
Addressing a widespread belief, Dr. Moniri directly challenged the assumption that injectable drugs are inherently more effective than oral medications. “Patients should not insist that doctors prescribe injectable drugs,” he explained. “Furthermore, the side effects of injectable drugs are often greater than those of oral medications.”
He clarified that the effectiveness of injectable antibiotics is not necessarily superior. Their use is typically reserved for specific circumstances, such as when a patient cannot tolerate oral medication due to nausea or an inability to swallow, or when there are concerns about a patient’s adherence to a treatment regimen.
“The idea that injectable drugs are stronger and have a greater psychological impact is unproven,” Dr. Moniri stressed, labeling it an “illogical reason” for choosing injections over oral antibiotics.
Questioning Supplements and Self-Medication
The specialist also cast doubt on the routine use of popular over-the-counter remedies. He pointed out that while pharmacies are stocked with supplements like Vitamin C, zinc lozenges, and herbal immune boosters marketed for cold and flu relief, there is little scientific evidence to support their efficacy.
“The fact that these supplements are well-known and popular does not mean they are effective or safe,” Dr. Moniri cautioned, advising individuals to consult a physician before using any dietary supplement.
The Critical Warning on Antibiotic Misuse
In his most critical point, Dr. Moniri underscored that the self-prescribed use of antibiotics for colds or flu is a serious error. “Antibiotics kill bacteria, while colds and influenza are caused by viruses,” he clarified. “Viruses are a category of microbes that bear no resemblance to bacteria.”
He observed that some patients pressure doctors for antibiotic prescriptions, but he firmly stated that no antibiotic, from amoxicillin to azithromycin, will help cure a cold or the flu. Beyond being ineffective, unnecessary antibiotics can cause unpleasant side effects like diarrhea and cramping. More alarmingly, their misuse accelerates bacterial resistance, making it harder to treat genuine bacterial infections in the future.
Dr. Moniri did note that antibiotics become necessary only if a secondary bacterial complication, such as a lung infection, pneumonia, or an ear infection, develops following a viral illness. In such cases, a doctor-prescribed antibiotic can be effective and appropriate.
This expert guidance aims to promote evidence-based treatment approaches, safeguarding individual patient health and supporting public health by combating the rise of treatment-resistant bacteria.