- Antibiotics are used exclusively to treat infections caused by bacteria, fungi, and some parasites.
- In no way should they be consumed for colds, influenza, Covid-19 and other diseases that are caused by viruses because they do not do they work.
- The first drug of this type was penicillin and was discovered at the beginning of the 20th century.
Medicines have become one of the most important inventions of the modern era. Thanks to its use, millions of deaths are prevented worldwide, but there must always be adequate regulation. In all cases, a doctor’s prescription is necessary for its consumption, especially when it comes to antibiotics.
In that sense, since 2010 there are regulations in this regard in our country. To avoid unnecessary consumption, the presentation of a medical prescription was made mandatory for the acquisition of this type of drug. Although the truth is that there is still a high consumption among the population because there are many doubts and incorrect information.
To get started, Antibiotics are used exclusively 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, urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal infections, acne, and sexually transmitted diseases.
Instead, when it comes to colds, influenza, Covid-19 and other diseases that are caused by viruses, antibiotics do not work and should not be consumed. In fact, in this type of case, the only thing that is achieved is to make the patient worse or to achieve a momentary recovery with a high risk of relapse.
With this in mind, the Dr Victor Fainsteinwho is a specialist in infectious diseases of the Houston Methodist Hospitalmade a list of some of the most common questions about antibiotics and offers an accurate answer to each one.
What are antibiotics?
They are a class of medications, also called antimicrobial, which fight bacterial infections. The penicillin was the first and was discovered in the late 1920s but was not used to treat infections until the 1940s. Of the various classes of antibiotics available on the market, it is important to know that each fights a different class of bacteria .
How do I know if I need an antibiotic?
You should always consult your doctor, who will take into account your illness and your symptoms. In some cases, it will be necessary to attend a review, although on other occasions, a virtual consultation will suffice. In any case, only your doctor should determine if you need an antibiotic or not, and what kind.
Even if my doctor says I don’t need an antibiotic, do I need to ask to be sure?
No. Take a antibiotic if you don’t need it, it won’t help you, and it won’t make you feel better. On the contrary, it can spread your disease and cause unnecessary side effects.
Is it safe to stop taking the prescribed antibiotic after I feel better?
No. The fact that the symptoms decrease does not mean that the bacteria have been eliminated. You should always complete the prescribed treatment. Otherwise, some bacteria can survive, become resistant, and probably cause you to relapse.
Is it safe to take someone else’s antibiotics?
No. Just take the antibiotics that have been prescribed for your case and symptoms exclusively. There are many on the market and they cannot be used interchangeably. Taking the wrong one can prolong your illness or allow bacteria to multiply.
Do antibiotics cause side effects?
Like all medications, antibiotics They have potential side effects. Some common symptoms are nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain. If you are bothered by the side effects, let your health care provider know, who will assess whether you might be better off taking another. Some women may develop yeast infections as a result of these types of drugs. While on rare occasions they can cause an allergic reaction that may require medical attention.
Can I take expired antibiotics?
No. Expired medications of any kind should not be taken, as they all have a shelf life. After that date, the drug loses its potency. Also, taking expired medications can prolong your illness and cause unwanted side effects.
What is antibiotic resistance?
The antibiotic resistance It is one of the world’s most pressing public health problems. Every time a person takes antibiotics, the bacteria are killed. However, some germs are resistant to antibiotics, being able to multiply and cause a lot of damage. The repeated or inappropriate use of antibiotics is precisely the main cause of resistance to them.
What is the best way to prevent antibiotic resistance?
First, talk to your doctor about your illness and symptoms. If possible, have him take a culture to determine if your illness is caused by a virus or bacteria. Don’t take an antibiotic if you have a viral infection. Reducing the inappropriate use of antibiotics is the best way to prevent resistance.
Also read:
Bad example: Influencer promotes self-medication with antibiotics
Chart of the Day: The World’s Largest Antibiotic Producers
Bacteria super-resistant to antibiotics appear in Antarctica