maybe so they wont build up a resistance? I'm not entirely sure, I'm just learning. Whenever I have a cough or anything to do with my lungs or throat I take Iodine or well heated water with a pinch or two of iodized salt. I never take down the whole glass its just usually 1 cup of water or a lil less. I only sip a small amount til the feeling is gone, although there may be better suggestions around. I mean supposedly the salt i use may be able to make salt stones or something. At least thats what my mom keeps telling me and worrying over. I'm doing a liver cleanse as soon as I'm off these darn Antibiotics on monday. Just to make the urologist happy I'm waiting til monday. Can't wait to be off it.