WELLNESS CORNER ANTIBIOTICS FOR A COLD – NOT SO FAST Colds are usually caused by a virus. Antibiotics treat illnesses caused by bacteria. If you go see your doctor when you are sick, your doctor will determine if you are sick because of a virus or bacteria. If you do have a cold, then your doctor will not prescribe you an antibiotic to treat it—even though you want relief—because it will not treat your cold. In addition, it can be harmful to take antibiotics when you don’t need them. They may not work when you do need them, because your body has gotten used to them. Your doctor will give you information on how to treat your cold. Remember: Any medicine can cause harmful side effects. Whether it is an antibiotic or an over-the-counter medicine, follow the instructions. KICK OFF THE NEW YEAR WITH A HEALTHY START Give your children a healthy new year by getting a Texas Health Steps checkup or a Well-Child checkup. These preventive checkups help keep your children healthy by finding problems early when they may be easier to treat. Timely vaccines can help keep babies, children, and young adults safe from disease. Checkups are at no cost to Medicaid and CHIP Members. Schedule an appointment today. Need help? Call Wellness Services at 713.295.6789 or toll-free at 1.844.882.7642 or email us at MemberServices@ CommunityHealthChoice.org. Need a ride to the doctor? - CHIP Members: Call Community Member Services at 713.295.2294 or toll-free at 1.888.760.2600. - STAR Members: Call Medical Transportation Management (MTM) toll-free at 1.855.687.4786. Visit our Wellness Corner for even more helpful information! CommunityHealthChoice.org > Member Resources > Wellness Corner 4
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