Overuse of antibiotics has become a major concern in the medical community. Most sore throats and upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses rather than bacteria. The rationale for prescribing antibiotics in a viral condition is to avoid any secondary bacterial infection and in suspected bacterial condition.

But lately, there has been prescription of antibiotics in all cases of sore throats and upper respiratory infections. This excessive use has resulted in a variety of bacteria that have become resistant to many antibiotics. These resistant organisms are commonly seen in hospitals and nursing homes. In fact, physicians must consider the location when prescribing antibiotics (community-acquired pneumonia, or CAP, vs. hospital-acquired pneumonia).

Although resistant organisms were usually found in nosocomial or hospital-acquired infections, recently, one of these resistant organisms from the hospital has become quite common in the community.

In some communities, up to 50% of S. aureus infections are due to organisms resistant to the antibiotic methicillin. This organism is referred to as MRSA (methicillin-resistant S. aureas) and requires special antibiotics when it causes infection. It is frequently known to cause skin infections but can cause pneumonia too.