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1 in 4 Americans make dangerous mistake that could help return to ‘dark ages of medicine’
A survey study found that nearly 30% of 959 American adults had exaggerated or invented symptoms to obtain antibiotics. The behaviour matters because unnecessary antibiotic use can accelerate resistance, making bacterial infections harder to treat.
Most people misrepresented symptoms associated with colds, such as coughs or sore throats; some exaggerated how long they had been ill, while others claimed symptoms they did not have. Participants cited wanting relief, needing to return to work or other responsibilities, and wanting control over medical decisions. The researchers said patients should not be blamed, and called for better communication between clinicians and patients about when antibiotics can help.
In short
- Nearly 30% of surveyed adults admitted misrepresenting symptoms to get antibiotics.
- Most reports involved cold symptoms such as coughs or sore throats.
- Researchers urge better communication to help curb antibiotic resistance.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Patients may feel pressure to seek antibiotics when they are unwell, need to return to work or care duties, or fear being denied a treatment that might help. Clearer conversations and better access to timely care could address those concerns while helping patients make informed decisions.
The case against
Inventing or exaggerating symptoms to obtain antibiotics can lead to treatment that is unlikely to help a cold and may contribute to antibiotic resistance, making bacterial infections harder to treat. Clinicians need accurate information to assess patients safely, so honest communication and responsible prescribing protect both individual patients and the wider public.
Explained simply
Antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria, but they do not work against viruses such as those that cause most colds. Whether they are needed depends on the likely cause of an illness, so clinicians use a patient’s symptoms and other information to decide whether to prescribe them.
Taking antibiotics when they are not needed can help bacteria develop resistance, meaning some medicines may become less effective against infections. Patients may seek antibiotics because they want relief or need to manage work and other responsibilities, while clinicians must weigh those concerns against the risks of unnecessary treatment.