It's that time of year again, when you or a family member, or even someone you work with is coughing or sneezing due to a winter cold.
Sanford Family Medicine Doctor Jennifer Beckwith, says generally 85 to 90 percent of the common cold symptoms are actually caused by a virus, which is not treated with an antibiotic.
There are plenty of over the counter medications for common colds, but Beckwith says sometimes patients will get frustrated when their doctor doesn't prescribe an antibiotic for their cold or illness.
Sometimes prescribing an antibiotic when not needed can do more harm than good.
"I just think it's really important that people know for most of the time common colds are viruses and using an antibiotic, we can create antibiotic resistants, we can create side effects from the antibiotic so there are definitely risks in taking an antibiotic when you don't need it," Sanford Family Medicine Doctor, Jennifer Beckwith said.
Beckwith says if you ARE given an antibiotic it's important to completely finish the prescription EVEN if you start to feel better.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:40 PM EDT2013-05-20 23:40:14 GMT
When a flooded road is closed, it forces drivers to take an alternate route, but if you see water rushing over a road and it's open, what do you do? "It's just kind of surreal, considering that we've
When a flooded road is closed, it forces drivers to take an alternate route, but if you see water rushing over a road and it's open, what do you do?
Monday, May 20 2013 6:49 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:49:14 GMT
Some people in the Bismarck/Mandan area are busy cleaning water out of their basements. Advanced Cleaning and Restoration has been working non stop since 2 a.m. Saturday morning. Bob Fettig says the
Some people in the Bismarck/Mandan area are busy cleaning water out of their basements.
Monday, May 20 2013 1:42 PM EDT2013-05-20 17:42:32 GMT
Sarah Gustin reports from Oliver County near Center. The area has received nearly 4 inches of rain since Friday. Sarah interviews Oliver County Extension Agent Rick Schmidt on the benefit of the rainfall
Sarah Gustin's interview with Oliver County Extension Agent, Rick Schmidt on rainfall.
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:40 PM EDT2013-05-20 02:40:22 GMT
Officials say some areas on the road near Jamestown were 10 to 14 inches deep. It may be hard to tell but this is actually interstate. Drivers were down to about five miles an hour just west of Jamestown
Two westbound semi trailers were swept off the road and had to be pulled out early Sunday, and some eastbound vehicles were stranded until the water receded enough to let them proceed.
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:37 PM EDT2013-05-20 02:37:32 GMT
A freedom ride was canceled due to the rainy conditions, but a barbecue, silent auction and fundraiser for a family in need went on as scheduled. Proceeds from this annual event usually go to a child
A freedom ride was canceled due to the rainy conditions, but a barbecue, silent auction and fundraiser for a family in need went on as scheduled.
Tunisia's Health Ministry says a 66-year-old man has died after being infected by the new coronavirus following a visit to Saudi Arabia.
A 66-year-old Tunisian man has died from the new coronavirus following a visit to Saudi Arabia and two of his adult children were infected with it, the Tunisian Health Ministry reported.
Federal investigators probing the hantavirus outbreak blamed for three deaths at Yosemite National Park recommended on Monday that design changes to tent cabins and other privately run lodging first be reviewed by...
Federal investigators probing the hantavirus outbreak blamed for three deaths at Yosemite National Park recommended on Monday that design changes to tent cabins and other privately run lodging first be reviewed by National...
Doctors tell people with a heart-zapping device in their chests to give up intense sports like basketball and soccer in favor of golf or bowling. But lots of patients ignore that advice - and now new research is...
New research is challenging medical guidelines that say people with a heart-zapping device in their chests should avoid intense sports like basketball and soccer in favor of golf or bowling.
More than a decade ago, British parents refused to give measles shots to at least a million children because of a vaccine scare that raised the specter of autism. Now, health officials are scrambling to catch up and...
More than a decade ago, British parents refused to give measles shots to at least a million children because of now discredited research that linked the vaccine to autism. Now, health officials are scrambling to catch up and...
A metro Atlanta woman who lost both hands, her left leg and right foot after contracting a flesh-eating disease was on her way back from Ohio Friday after being fitted with prosthetic hands.
A metro Atlanta woman who lost both hands, her left leg and right foot after contracting a flesh-eating disease was on her way back from Ohio Friday after being fitted with prosthetic hands.
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Record rainfall has forced some northeastern North Dakota residents from their homes. Heavy rainfall over the past couple of days has pushed up creeks and rivers across North Dakota. Water from the Park River and Cart Creek...
Federal prosecutors want the notes of mental health professionals who examined a man convicted of killing of a University of North Dakota student more than nine years ago.
Federal prosecutors want the notes of mental health professionals who examined a man convicted of killing of a University of North Dakota student more than nine years ago.
Evangelist Franklin Graham prayed on a sidewalk outside the Pentagon Thursday after his invitation to a prayer service inside was withdrawn because of comments that insulted people of other religions. More>>