The state’s top doctor is worried: More Iowans are growing resistant to antibiotics. Dr. Patricia Quinlisk, the state’s epidemiologist, says 27 percent of common viral infections were resistant to antibiotics last year. That’s three percent worse than 1999 figures.Quinlisk says it’s alarming so many Iowans are growing resistant to antibiotics. She urges Iowans to use common sense when they get the common cold. Quinlisk advises parents not to pressure their pediatrician for a prescription when their child has a cold or sore throat. She says instead take in lots of fluid. Quinlisk says the old standby of chicken soup can help too.Nancy Bowersox of the Iowa Pharmacy Association says about half of all sore throats are caused by a virus, which means you should not take an antibiotic.Bowersox and Quinlisk spoke at a news conference in a Des Moines childcare center to highlight their message.
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