In spite of guidelines on the use of antibiotics in Community acquired pneumonia (CAP), very often the antibiotics are prescribed for longer than necessary. Of the 37 in-patients with CAP over a 25-month period,12 had reasons for a longer antibiotic course. In the remaining 25, ten received antibiotics for ≤ 7 and 15 for more than 7 days. Respiratory rate (23.53± 4.32; p=0.039) and albumin levels (37.73±5.27; p=0.001) were higher in patients who received the longer course. Extent of opacities (p=0.690); single lobe 9 (60%). > 1 lobe unilateral 1 (100%) and bilateral 5 (55.6%) or the pattern; lobar 10(83.3%), segmental 1(20%) or interstitial 4 (50%); > 65 years 7 (53.8%); male 9 (60%), prior antibiotics 4 (57.1%), co-morbidities 11 (61.1%), Diabetes 8 (57.1%), aspiration risk 3 (42.9%) or higher CURB score 7(63.3%) did not influence the prescription. We find that physicians use their instinct rather than scientific backing in this decision. Often antibiotics are continued on discharge possibly due to a feeling of protection.