Things to consider
Antibiotics are sometimes used too much or incorrectly. Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria are repeatedly exposed to the same medicine. This changes the bacteria, making it harder for the medicine to work.
It also can happen when bacteria are left in your body. They will multiply and become stronger. One day you might get an illness that can’t be treated by antibiotics. You might have to take different medicines. You may have to go to a hospital to get intravenous antibiotics (through an IV needle into your vein).
Family members or other people you come into contact with could be exposed to the infection you have. Then these people might also develop infections that are hard to treat.
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recognizes improper use of antibiotics as a risk to personal and public health. Ear and sinus infections are usually caused by viruses. Antibiotics cannot treat viruses.