Why Many U.S. Adults Lie to Get Antibiotics

Nearly 30% of adults misrepresent symptoms to secure prescriptions, driving the rise of dangerous antibiotic resistance.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in COVID-19

Bold vector editorial illustration of a single orange capsule and white medical gloves on a clean, clinical surface, representing antibiotic health trends. — Nearly 30% of U.S. adults and caregivers admit to misrepresenting symptoms to obtain unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions, fueling the rising threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you agree that being fully honest with doctors about symptoms is necessary to avoid antibiotic misuse?

A new national survey reveals that nearly 30% of U.S. adults have lied about their symptoms to obtain antibiotic prescriptions, while 27% of caregivers have done the same for their children. These findings highlight a growing trend in patient-provider interactions that contributes to the rise of antibiotic-resistant infections.

Why it matters

Antibiotics are ineffective against viral illnesses like cold-like symptoms, yet their misuse drives the development of dangerous drug-resistant germs. With deaths from resistant infections reaching 50,800 in 2023, clear communication about when these medications are truly necessary is critical to public health.

A survey of 960 adults and 236 caregivers published in JAMA Network Open found that 30% of adults and 27% of caregivers misrepresented symptoms to get antibiotics. This occurs as drug-resistant infections rose to 9.7 million in 2023, up from 2.8 million in 2017.

The players

JAMA Network Open

A peer-reviewed medical journal that publishes research on clinical care and public health outcomes.

The details

Patients often exaggerate or fabricate cold-like symptoms such as fever, cough, and sore throat to influence clinical prescribing decisions. They frequently cite a desire for symptom relief and a feeling that providers do not take their concerns seriously. Most respondents reported that these strategies successfully resulted in an antibiotic prescription, even though these drugs do not treat the underlying viral causes of common colds.

2017 marked the occurrence of 2.8 million drug-resistant infections.
2023 saw drug-resistant infections rise to 9.7 million.
January 2026 was the start of the first survey data collection.
February 2026 was the end of the first survey data collection.
October 30, 2026, was the date the findings were published.

Health Landscape

The misuse of antibiotics remains a primary driver behind the global threat of drug-resistant pathogens. This behavioral data updates the trend of rising antimicrobial resistance by identifying patient-led deception as a major hurdle to antibiotic stewardship.

If you are struggling with persistent cold-like symptoms, it is worth discussing your concerns and expectations with your physician rather than misrepresenting your condition. Understanding that antibiotics cannot treat viruses can help guide more effective treatment conversations with your care team.

The takeaway

Misrepresenting symptoms is a common but dangerous practice that fuels the rise of antibiotic-resistant infections. Always ask your doctor about the specific cause of your illness and whether an antibiotic is the appropriate treatment for your symptoms.