Family in my case. There are two reasons they do this. A lot of people like medicine - they think it justifies the cost of the visit, and there's a real placebo effect (which is not an oxymoron as many might think).
The second is that many viral infections can, in rare scenarios, lead to bacterial infections. For instance a random flu can leave one more susceptible to developing pneumonia. Throwing antibiotics at everything is a defensive measure to help ward of malpractice lawsuits. Even if frivolous, it's something no doctor wants to deal with, but some absurd number - something like 1 in 15 per year, will.
I can co-sign this being bi-coastal. in the US not once have I or my 12-year old kid been prescribed antibiotics. on three ocassions in europe I had to take my kid to the doctor and each time antibiotics were prescribed (never consumed)
The second is that many viral infections can, in rare scenarios, lead to bacterial infections. For instance a random flu can leave one more susceptible to developing pneumonia. Throwing antibiotics at everything is a defensive measure to help ward of malpractice lawsuits. Even if frivolous, it's something no doctor wants to deal with, but some absurd number - something like 1 in 15 per year, will.