| If you think you need an antibiotic every time you or your child has a fever, think things through again. Most sore throats and colds, alongside the flu and other viral infections, do not respond to the bacteria-killing properties of these very potent drugs. Instead, the sickness needs to run its course, because the immune system works as a healer.Then when shoud antibiotics be taken? Below is a primer on these wonder medicines and the bacterial infections which they can combat.Bacteria vs. VirusesMost diseases attack our bodies via germs. Bacteria and viruses are different in size, structure and method of reproduction, not to mention the ways in which they are treated. While doctors have safe and effective vaccines to protect us from many viruses, they do not have secure and effective medications to cure or treat most of them.Penicillin made it possiblePenicillin was first heard of in 1944. At present, antibiotics are among the most usually prescribed drugs in the world, either combating bacteria completely or impeding their reproduction.Drawback of a very upside medicationAntibiotics can cause many more medical problems, if they are not used in the right way. Extensive use and misuse in the ill over time have doubted antibiotics' capability to combat bacteria. At present, nearly all bacteria are resistant to these medications, so that more recently introduced antibiotics are sometimes necessary to fight infections once easily cured. Antibiotics can also lead to complications, such as vaginal yeast infections and diarrhoea.So the next time you want an antibiotic to stave off a common cold, ask your family doctor how to manage the symptoms instead. Do not be surprised if your family doctor has suggested 'watchful waiting' to see if symptoms eventually merit a prescription.If taking antibiotics, follow instructions. Your dosage has been measured to fight off germs within the course of the illness. Thus, if you do not finish, you may find yourself at the risk of leaving enough bacteria in your system to resume the infection - even if you are feeling good. The remaining medication will not be sufficient to kill off the microbes the next time, and it may even make them resistant to antibiotics.The most suitable option to lessen the risk of antibiotic resistance is to avoid catching a cold in the first place.Washing hands is the most effective measure you can take to avoid transmitting diseases. So scrub with warm, soapy water for 15 seconds, then rinse thoroughly. You will be doing your essential part for prevention. |
Article Details