Why do doctors prefer to test for bacteria first, instead of prescribing antibiotics right away?

Because that way they know what antibiotic to give they may not prescribe a prescription that doesn't apply to your illness.

hope i helped!!

:)

Since in more than 25% of cases studied by scientists, prescriptions are useless for the infection stems of a virus cannot be treated with antibiotics. This overuse of antibiotics has a number of downsides which include types of drugs that kill more of the "good" bacteria found in our bodies leading to more side effects.

Hope this helps! <3

answerrunning;