Strep throat?!
Question:
Strep throat?
How long should u take antiboitics for when u have strep throat my friend has no insurance and had to buy antibiotics from someone else.any answers appreciated
Answers:
Not all antibiotics work for every illness. If you're taking antibiotics and you don't have strep, you're doing absolutely nothing for yourself except for possibly putting yourself at risk for something like c-diff.
And when you do take antibiotics, it all depends on the type as to how long you should take it. All antibiotics should be taken until they are gone. Some you take for 1 day, some 3 days, some 5 days, some 7, and some 10. Some you take once a day, some twice a day, and others three times a day. When she bought these antibiotics were they in a prescription bottle? If so, she should follow those instructions if she's going to take them anyhow, but how is she to guarantee they are even antibiotics if they aren't in a bottle with a lable?
Keep in mind that the more people who use antibiotics when they don't need them, or the wrong type of antibiotic for an infection, well they are pretty much helping with the development of deadly antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
We had a guy in our county recently go to jail for 11 months because he gave, not sold, but gave, his antibiotics to his 16 yr old daughter for a throat infection. She ended up being allergic to it, and when she had to go to the emergency room, they asked her who gave her the antibiotics. The dad was arrested the same night. It's illegal to give your prescription medications to another person, let alone sell them...that holds even stiffer penalties.
And even with insurance you still usually have to pay a co-pay. I'm willing to bet that your friend can find a doctor to see her on a short term payment plan, or a clinic that uses a sliding fee scale...or even a free clinic. If you live in the USA, try calling 2-1-1 and see if a community services operator comes on the line. If so, ask for a referral to a clinic. The antibiotics can be purchased fairly cheap now with a prescription. Many are as low as $4 at Target or Walmart pharmacies.
I commend your friend for trying to prevent putting yet another unpaid doctor or emergency room bill in the public's hand, but she's really not going about it the right way. Taking the incorrect medication can lead to serious conditions, and put her out even more money in the long run.