So, you think you need an antibiotic…
Note: This article is over 60 days old, and may contain information that is out of date, or has been superseded by newer information.
Antibiotics are not a cure-all. They do not work on illnesses that are caused by viruses. Many common illnesses such as: colds, influenza (flu), most coughs and bronchitis, most sore throats (not caused by strep) and runny noses will usually resolve themselves without an antibiotic. Unless you have other health problems, antibiotics are not recommended for acute bronchitis. Instead, you may ask your doctor what else you can do to feel better.
Health care professionals across the nation are concerned about “antibiotic resistance”. The Centers for Disease Control defines antibiotic resistance as “the ability of bacteria or other microbes to resist the effects of an antibiotic”. This happens when bacteria changes in a way that makes it more difficult to treat or cure with a medication.
If you take antibiotics when you do not need them, they may not work when you do need them. This leads to infections that are harder and more expensive to treat. These infections may then be passed on to your family, co-workers and community. Stronger antibiotics needed to treat more advanced infections may also have more severe side effects than what your doctor may have initially prescribed.
What should you do?
- Always ask your doctor if an antibiotic is indicated for your illness. Explain that you do not want to take antibiotics if you don’t need them.
- If prescribed, take the antibiotic exactly as your health care provider tells you. It is essential to complete the medication to help avoid a relapse. You should not have any “leftover” medication.
- Remember, if your health care provider determines that you do not have a bacterial infection, ask about other ways to relieve your symptoms.
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