“Always finish your course of antibiotics” — for years, this phrase was considered the gold standard of medicine. However, according to a new study from University of Utah Health, this approach is outdated for many conditions, even though the vast majority of the public still trusts it blindly.
Published in the journal Open Forum Infectious Diseases, the study surveyed 1,475 people. It revealed that nearly 90% of respondents still believe it is necessary to complete a full course of antibiotics, even if they are already feeling better. This perception stems from past doctor recommendations and widespread public health campaigns.
Modern medical evidence, however, points to a very different reality. For instance, according to contemporary guidelines, a short 3- to 5-day course of antibiotics for pneumonia is just as effective and much safer (with fewer side effects) than traditional one-week or longer treatments. Despite this, due to old stereotypes, 60% of respondents still prefer longer courses.
Lead author of the study, Alistair Thorpe, explains that guidelines evolve as science progresses, which is a completely normal and positive process. In many cases, shorter courses of antibiotics are indeed a better alternative. However, there are exceptions (such as tuberculosis), where long-term treatment remains critically important.
Researchers urge public health experts and physicians to move away from overly simplified, one-size-fits-all messaging and improve communication with patients. The key recommendation from experts is that when prescribed an antibiotic, patients should consult directly with their treating physician to discuss the optimal treatment duration for their specific diagnosis and when it is safest to stop taking the medication.
