Delhi gastroenterologist Dr Shubham Vatsya warns against antibiotic misuse in the country

Delhi gastroenterologist Dr Shubham Vatsya warns against antibiotic misuse in India, where many prescription drugs are available over the counter without a prescription.

Antibiotics like Azithromycin kill bacteria, not viruses, but are often misused for viral conditions such as sore throat, which is viral in 99 percent of cases.

Misusing antibiotics for viral infections can kill beneficial gut bacteria, increasing the risk of post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and antibiotic resistance.

Most viral infections, including sore throats, resolve on their own with supportive care like steam inhalation, and do not require antibiotics.