Z pack is a brand name of the antibiotic called Azithromycin. It should not be given like any antibiotic unless you have had cultures to prove bacterial infection and most importantly the sensitiveity of the offending bacteria. The only time a broad spectrum antibiotic shoiuld be given with no culture results ( although they should be taken and sent to make sure what the patient is taking is correct) is when the patient is acutely ill with fever and other symptoms like this.
Because of over use and antibiotic resistance, you will notice a doctor giving fewer and fewer drugs with out cultures unless acutely ill, with fever. Also not all bacterial infections need antibiotic, as our own immune system takes care of it. Often as with viral infections, a couple of days of rest and we feel much better on our own.
Exceptions are immunocompromised patients, diabetics, patients such as Jeanne with severe lung issues, and other long term health issues, they need to be treated right away before culture results, and cultures taken in order to make sure the appropraite drug has been given. Its a difficult issue in patients who need antibiotics often, as their own body cannot fight an infection, or while fighting it they get to ill with their pre existing condition, so they need antibiotics far more often, but then they become resistant as well and become sicker.........a vicious circle.
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