Do You Need Antibiotics? Why Not Every Infection Requires a Prescription

You’ve got a sore throat, your nose is stuffy, maybe there’s a fever creeping in—and you’re wondering if antibiotics will help. For many people, the thought is automatic: Go to the doctor, get a prescription, and feel better fast.

But here’s the thing: not every infection needs antibiotics. In fact, for a lot of common illnesses, they don’t help at all. At TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track, we see patients every day who are surprised to learn their symptoms are viral, not bacterial—and that antibiotics would only slow their recovery, not speed it up. That’s not to say we don’t believe in medication. We absolutely do. But what matters most is getting the right treatment, not just the fastest fix.

Not Everything Needs a Prescription Pad

When you’re sick, it’s easy to think a prescription is the key to getting better. But most common colds, flus, and sore throats are caused by viruses—and antibiotics don’t make viruses go away.

Antibiotics are made to kill bacteria. That’s it. They don’t shorten a cold, they don’t soothe a viral cough, and they definitely won’t help with the flu or RSV. Still, people often request them out of habit or expectation, especially during cold and flu season.

What happens if you take antibiotics when you don’t need them? Your body ends up losing some of the good bacteria in your gut that helps keep your immune system in check. You might also experience unnecessary side effects like stomach issues, rashes, or yeast infections—and, over time, even bigger problems like antibiotic resistance.

When Do Antibiotics Actually Help?

There are absolutely times when antibiotics are necessary. If you’ve got a confirmed bacterial infection, they can work wonders. The trick is figuring out the cause of your symptoms before deciding on treatment. Some of the most common bacterial infections that do require antibiotics include:

• Strep throat
• Bacterial sinus infections (lasting more than 10 days or worsening after initial improvement)
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Bacterial pneumonia
• Certain skin infections, especially those with swelling or pus

In cases like these, antibiotics are incredibly effective and often essential. But without proper diagnosis, jumping straight to medication could delay your actual recovery or lead you down the wrong path entirely.

Why Taking Antibiotics “Just in Case” Can Backfire

It might seem harmless to take antibiotics just to be safe. But overusing them creates a bigger problem: antibiotic resistance. That’s when bacteria evolve and become stronger than the medication designed to kill them.

What does that mean for you? It means the next time you actually need antibiotics, they might not work. That’s a scary thought—and it’s already happening more often than you’d think.

Overprescribing antibiotics has created strains of bacteria that are harder to treat, leading to longer illnesses, more serious complications, and higher healthcare costs. This isn’t a future problem. It’s a right-now issue, and the best way to help is by only taking antibiotics when they’re truly needed.

Our Commitment to Antibiotic Stewardship

At TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track, we are proud participants in the Urgent Care Association’s Antibiotic Stewardship (ABS) initiative. This nationwide effort is focused on reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions in urgent care settings to help protect patients and combat the growing issue of antibiotic resistance.

Antibiotic stewardship means we are committed to:

• Improving awareness and understanding of appropriate antibiotic use among our teams and patients.
• Supporting clinical decisions with evidence-based guidelines and stewardship resources.
• Collaborating across the urgent care community to strengthen stewardship programs.
• Optimizing the use of antibiotics to ensure they remain effective when truly needed.

Through the Antibiotic Stewardship Toolkit, we have access to proven strategies, patient education materials, and clinical protocols that help us make the safest, most effective decisions for your care. This means you can trust that when we do recommend antibiotics, it’s because they are truly necessary and will genuinely help you recover.

You can learn more about this important commitment through the Urgent Care Association’s Antibiotic Stewardship resources here.

But What If You Still Feel Awful?

We get it. When you’re sick, you want relief—fast. And even if antibiotics aren’t the answer, there’s still plenty you can do to feel better.

We focus a lot on supportive care at TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track. Because the truth is, the right tools can help your body do what it’s already designed to do: heal. A few key ways to manage viral symptoms at home include:

• Rest – Your body needs time and energy to recover. Don’t push through—take a real break.
• Hydration – Fluids keep your throat moist, loosen mucus, and help flush out your system.
• Over-the-counter meds – Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can ease fever and body aches, while decongestants may help with nasal pressure.
• Soothing remedies – A warm cup of tea, a steamy shower, or a saline nasal rinse can go a long way in easing your discomfort.

These aren’t cure-alls, but they do help you feel more human while your immune system does the heavy lifting.

That Sore Throat Might Not Be What You Think

A sore throat can really throw you off, especially when it hurts to talk, swallow, or even sleep. But not all sore throats are the same—and not all of them need antibiotics.

Strep Throat vs. Viral Throat Infections

• Strep throat is a bacterial infection. It usually comes on suddenly with pain when swallowing, a fever, and no cough. Your tonsils may look red or have white patches, and your lymph nodes might feel tender.
• Viral sore throats, on the other hand, are often part of a larger cold. You’ll probably also have a cough, runny nose, or congestion. These are not treated with antibiotics—and they usually clear up on their own in a few days.

When you visit TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track, we can run a rapid strep test in minutes. If it’s bacterial, we’ll prescribe the right antibiotics. If not, we’ll guide you with symptom relief strategies that actually help.

What About Sinus Infections or Ear Pain?

If your head feels like it’s in a pressure cooker, it’s easy to assume a sinus infection is to blame—and it might be. But even then, antibiotics aren’t always the answer.

Most sinus infections are viral and go away on their own in about 7–10 days. But if your symptoms drag on longer, start to worsen after improving, or come with a high fever or facial swelling, that’s when antibiotics may help.

Ear infections are similar. Some clear up without meds, while others—especially in young children or when symptoms are severe—might benefit from antibiotics. That’s why it’s important to come in and let us take a look. We can examine the ear and sinuses directly and help you avoid unnecessary meds if you don’t need them.

Let’s Get Back to What Really Matters—Your Health

We know you don’t come to urgent care just to be told “wait it out.” But we also know that the best care isn’t always the most aggressive—it’s the most thoughtful. Every symptom you’re feeling is a signal, and our job is to interpret it with accuracy, not assumptions.

At TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track, we listen. We ask questions. We test when needed. And we never push antibiotics unless they’re actually the right fit for your condition. That way, we help you get better—safely and responsibly.

Feel Sick? Come See Us So We Can Help the Right Way

If you’re not feeling well and want answers—not guesses—TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track is ready when you are. Whether it’s a sore throat, sinus pressure, ear pain, or just that sense that something’s not quite right, we’re here to help you sort it out.

We have multiple locations throughout the Tampa Bay area, including Pasco, Pinellas, and Hillsborough counties, making it easy to find a clinic near you. With our Save My Spot e-Check-in system, you can fill out your forms electronically and check in ahead of time, helping you skip the waiting room and get care faster. We’re open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., so you never have to wonder whether you can get the help you need. Just stop in—and let’s figure out the right plan, together.