A study by investigators at the Washington University School of Medicine, in St. Louis, concludes that antibiotics typically prescribed for sinus infections aren’t any more effective than inactive placebos. “Patients don’t get better faster or have fewer symptoms when they get antibiotics,” says Dr. Jay F. Piccirillo, a professor of otolaryngology and the study’s senior author. He adds, “Our results show that antibiotics aren’t necessary for a basic [acute] sinus infection—most people get better on their own.” The researchers do suggest treating symptoms such as pain, cough and congestion and carefully watching to see if further treatment is necessary.