U.S. Adults Often Lie to Obtain Antibiotics

A new national survey finds nearly one-third of U.S. adults misrepresent symptoms to secure unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in COVID-19

Bold vector editorial illustration of a glass medicine bottle and a white capsule, symbolizing the misuse of medical prescriptions. — A new national survey reveals nearly one-third of U.S. adults misrepresent symptoms to healthcare providers to obtain unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

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

Nearly 30% of U.S. adults admit to exaggerating or fabricating symptoms to healthcare providers to obtain antibiotics. A similar survey found that 27% of caregivers also lied about their children's symptoms to secure these medications.

Why it matters

Patients often misrepresent their condition due to a desire to recover quickly and a belief that clinicians are not taking their concerns seriously. This behavior undermines diagnostic efforts and contributes to the growing crisis of drug-resistant infections.

A survey of 960 adults found that 26% exaggerated symptoms while 17% fabricated them, with 77% claiming the strategy worked. Additionally, 236 caregivers reported a 27% rate of deception regarding children, with 87% reporting successful procurement.

The players

JAMA Network Open

This is a peer-reviewed, open-access medical journal that publishes research on clinical and health-related topics.

The details

Respondents most frequently falsified information about cold-like symptoms such as fever, cough, and sore throat to influence clinical prescribing decisions. Many patients believed these drugs were necessary to return to their responsibilities despite evidence regarding the risks of misuse.

The first survey data collection occurred between January 2026 and February 2026.
Drug-resistant infections rose from 2.8 million cases in 2017 to 9.7 million in 2023.
In 2023, the number of deaths caused by drug-resistant germs reached 50,800.
The survey results were published in JAMA Network Open on October 30, 2026.

The Big Picture

The findings underscore a behavioral catalyst for the documented surge in drug-resistant infections, which climbed from 2.8 million cases in 2017 to 9.7 million in 2023. This trend highlights how patient pressure complicates efforts to manage the evolution of antimicrobial resistance.

Patients who falsify symptoms to obtain antibiotics risk receiving treatments that are ineffective for viral conditions while contributing to antibiotic resistance. Clinicians are tasked with balancing patient satisfaction with the medical necessity of prescribing these drugs.

The takeaway

Effective medical communication is essential to prevent unnecessary antibiotic use that fuels drug-resistant germs. Patients concerned about recovery times should discuss alternative symptom management strategies with their providers rather than relying on unindicated medication.