4 minute read
HEALTHy LIVING
By Emma V. Chambers
do you have a sore throat, persistent cough or the flu? no problem, just ask your primary care physician for an antibiotic. not so fast. Antibiotics won’t help.
Colds, flu and other common illnesses are caused by viruses, and antibiotics don’t kill them. in fact, there are no medications that kill these viruses. if you have a virus, it must run its natural course — usually in two weeks.
Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria, fungi and some parasites. they are commonly used to treat pneumonia, sinus infections, strep throat, ear infections, skin infections, acne, urinary tract infections and some sexually transmitted diseases.
so how do you know if your illness is caused by a virus or bacteria or if you need an antibiotic? Leading Medicine editor emma Chambers sat down with methodist chief of infectious diseases dr. Victor fainstein to discuss these and other antibiotic-related questions.
Q: What are antibiotics?
Antibiotics are a class of drugs, also called antimicrobials, which fight bacterial infections. penicillin, which was the first antibiotic, was discovered in the late 1920s, but it wasn’t used to treat infections until the 1940s. A number of antibiotics are currently on the market and each class affects different types of bacterium.
Q: How do I know if I need an antibiotic?
you should contact your health care provider to discuss your illness and its symptoms. In some cases, he or she will ask you to come in for an appointment. At other times, the telephone conversation will suffice. However, only your health care provider should determine if and what type of antibiotic you need.
Q: Even if my doctor says I don’t need an antibiotic, should I ask for one to be on the safe side?
no. Taking an antibiotic if you don’t need it will not help. It won’t make you feel better. In fact, it may extend your illness and cause unnecessary side effects.
Q: If you feel better, is it safe to stop taking the prescribed antibiotic?
no. Just because the symptoms subside, it doesn’t mean that the bacteria have been killed. you should complete the prescribed course of treatment. If not, some bacteria may survive, and you may relapse.
Q: Is it safe to take someone else’s antibiotics?
no. Only take antibiotics that have been prescribed for you. There are many antibiotics on the market, and they can’t be used interchangeably. Taking the incorrect antibiotic may prolong your illness or allow bacteria to multiply.
Q: Are there any side effects to antibiotics?
Antibiotics, as with all medications, have potential side effects. Some of the common side effects include nausea, diarrhea and stomach pain. If the patient is really bothered by the effects, they should contact their health care provider to see if there is another one they can take. Also, some women may develop yeast infections as a result of taking antibiotics. In rare instances, antibiotics can cause an allergic reaction that can require medical attention.
Q: Can I take expired antibiotics?
no. you should not take expired medications of any kind. All medications have a shelf life. After that date, the medication loses its potency. Taking expired medications can prolong your illness and produce unwanted side effects.
Q: What is antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotic resistance has been called one of the world’s most pressing public health problems. Every time a person takes antibiotics, bacteria are killed. However, some germs are resistant to the antibiotic and may be left behind. These bacteria multiply and can cause harm. repeated or improper use of antibiotics is the primary causes of antibiotic resistance.
First and foremost, talk to your health care provider about your illness and its symptoms. If possible, have your health care provider take a culture to determine if the illness is caused by a virus or bacteria. Don’t take an antibiotic for a viral infection. Decreasing the inappropriate use of antibiotics is the best way to prevent resistance. n
AntiBiotiC Quiz
1. Antibiotics fight infections caused by: a. Viruses b. Bacteria c. Viruses and bacteria 2. Bacteria are germs that cause colds and flu. a. True b. False 3. Which of these illnesses should be treated with antibiotics? a. runny nose b. Flu
c. Cold d. Strep throat 4. Infections can become resistant to antibiotics. a. True b. False 5. I can prevent antibioticresistant infections when I (more than one may apply): a. Don’t take an antibiotic for a viral infection b. Don’t save an antibiotic for the next time
I am sick
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
c. Don’t take an antibiotic prescribed for someone else d. Take my antibiotic exactly as my health care provider tells me 6. What can happen if I get an antibiotic-resistant infection (more than one may apply)? a. I may have a longerlasting illness b. I may have to visit my doctor more
c. I may require hospitalization d. I may need more costly medicine that may cause side effects 7. Antibiotic resistance has been called one of the world’s most pressing public health problems. a. True b. False
Answers: 1. b 2. b 3. d 4. a 5. a, b, c, d 6. a, b, c, d 7. a
