New Delhi, Aug. 26 -- The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has urged people not to use antibiotics for swine flu symptoms, warning that indiscriminate use of drugs such as azithromycin, amoxicillin-clavulanate and cefixime during the ongoing seasonal Influenza A (H1N1) surge could worsen antimicrobial resistance without offering any benefit against the viral infection.
In an advisory issued on Wednesday, the IMA said Influenza A (H1N1) is a viral illness, and antibiotics should only be prescribed if a qualified physician confirms a secondary bacterial infection based on clinical and laboratory findings.
It also cautioned against self-medication with antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir, saying these are prescription medicines meant only fo...