# US surveys find over a quarter misrepresented symptoms to obtain antibiotics

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/over-25-of-people-lie-to-get-antibiotics-and-their-lies-arent-even-good/
- Published: 2026-10-30T20:17:50+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-30T21:12:56+00:00
- Original publisher: Ars Technica
- Original article: https://arstechnica.com/health/2026/10/over-25-of-people-lie-to-get-antibiotics-and-their-lies-arent-even-good/
- Topics: Software

## Key points

- Over a quarter of respondents reported lying to obtain antibiotics.
- Most reported false symptoms associated with colds.
- The claims often led to antibiotic prescriptions.

## Summary

Two US studies found that more than a quarter of surveyed adults had misrepresented symptoms to obtain antibiotics for themselves or a child in their care. The findings matter because antibiotics treat bacterial infections, not common viral illnesses such as colds, and unnecessary use can contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Researchers analysed 959 complete survey responses from 1,371 adults: 268 people, or 28 per cent, reported lying about their own symptoms. Among 263 respondents who were caregivers, 63, or 27 per cent, said they had done so for a child. Most commonly, people exaggerated and invented symptoms together; 65 per cent of those who misrepresented symptoms cited cold-related signs, and 77 per cent of adults and 87 per cent of caregivers said their claims resulted in a prescription. Respondents often said they felt the illness was severe or believed antibiotics were the only thing that would help.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.