I have travelled extensively over the past three decades and never once fallen sick outside India — until my visit to Brazil last month for COP30. A simple viral infection ended up becoming a mirror, revealing how differently India and Brazil approach antibiotic use, and why this difference matters.

In India, like most people, I rely on a familiar ecosystem of doctors, chemists and well-meaning advisors. Over time, one becomes comfortable with this formal-informal health care network. For routine illnesses like coughs and colds, I consult them, weigh their advice, and take (or avoid) medication accordingly. The advice, however, is predictable. Every time I have had a viral infection, the prescription has included an anti-allergic and an antibiotic — even when the doctor clearly diagnosed it as viral.