How seriously does an adult have to take an ear infection? i took antibio's last time, now may be getting another one, but must i run to the dr?

Monitor: Well over half of ear infections are caused by viruses, and antibiotics would not be helpful. Even in young kids now, the recommendations are to try and wait it out. Take pain relief meds if needed, "pop" your ears or chew gum to try to equalize pressure. If pain gets severe, drainage, high fever of other concerning associated symptoms, then see doctor. But over 50-50 it will clear by itself.

Depends: Some ear infections are viral ; self heal in a few days, some are caused by nasty pus creating germs that will eat away at the ear ; cause problems if untreated. A good dr will treat the later aggressively, and watch the first, which could become bacterial later.