Volume 14, Number 6: November 2006
Are You Using Antibiotics Correctly?
Do you go to your doctor for a prescription when you get a nasty cold, cough, sore throat, or the flu? When you have an antibiotic prescription and start feeling better, have you ever stopped taking the pills . . . perhaps saving the rest for another time? If so, you are part of a medical problem: the improper use of antibiotics.
Antibiotics aren't always the answer. Antibiotics kill bacteria-not viruses. Unfortunately, viruses cause most common illnesses: colds, flu, and most sore throats and coughs/bronchitis. Taking an antibiotic will not get rid of these infections, make you feel better, or keep others from catching your illness.
What's the harm in taking an antibiotic for a virus? When antibiotics are used incorrectly, bacteria become resistant to the antibiotic. The bacteria become stronger and harder to kill. This means that the next time you truly need the antibiotic, it may not work for you. The infection may be harder to treat.
If I can't take an antibiotic, what can I do to feel better? Drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest. A variety of over-the-counter medicines can help treat your symptoms: antihistamines reduce itchy watery eyes, sneezing, and a scratchy throat; decongestants reduce nasal stuffiness; cough suppressants reduce coughing; expectorants break up mucus in the chest; pain relievers help with body aches and pains; and fever reducers reduce the body temperature. Before taking any over-the-counter medicines, read the label. If you have a preexisting medical condition (such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease), be sure to check first with your doctor about the right medicine for you.
How do I know which symptoms require contacting my doctor? Telephone your doctor's office if you have:
- fever greater than 100.5 degrees
- shortness of breath
- ear pain
- severe headache
- extremely sore or red throat with white or yellow patches
- skin rash
- chest pain
- no improvement after 7-10 days
Remember: Antibiotics aren't always appropriate and can be harmful. So the next time you have the sniffles and sneezes ... try to avoid an antibiotic! And if you are prescribed an antibiotic, finish all of the prescription.