Nearly 30% of US adults lie to doctors to get antibiotics, survey reveals

Nearly 30% of U.S. adults admit to lying or exaggerating symptoms to obtain antibiotics from doctors, according to two new surveys. Parents also report doing the same for their children. The surveys highlight a dangerous trend: patients pressuring physicians for antibiotics even when they may not be medically necessary. This behavior contributes to antibiotic resistance, a growing public health threat that makes infections harder to treat. Experts warn that misuse of antibiotics can lead to longer illnesses, more doctor visits, and the spread of resistant bacteria. The findings underscore the need for better patient education about when antibiotics are appropriate and the risks of overuse. Ultimately, honest conversations between patients and doctors are essential to preserving the effectiveness of these critical medications.