Here’s
to your health
What
antibiotics can’t cure
If
you come down with some sort of bacterial infection, you’re
very happy to receive the antibiotics your health provider
can prescribe for you. But no matter how wondrous antibiotics
are, they won’t help you if you get a virus.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention want you
to know that “If you have a cold or flu – Antibiotics
Won’t work for You!”
Colds, most sore throats, most coughs, bronchitis and
the flu are viral infections. If you think that taking
antibiotics
for them will cure them and help you feel better or
keep other people from catching them, you’re mistaken.
Taking antibiotics when you have a virus not only won’t
help your illness – it might cause harm. According
to the CDC, taking antibiotics when you don’t need
them “increases your risk of getting an infection
later that resists antibiotic treatment.”
In fact, not only will antibiotics NOT help viral
infections, the misuse of antibiotics has lead
to antibiotic resistance
which has been called one of the world’s most pressing
health problems.
The
CDC points out that when antibiotics fail to help infections
that were once easily treatable,
the consequences include “longer-lasting illnesses,
more doctor visits or extended hospital stays, and the
need for more expensive and toxic medications. Some resistant
infections can even cause death.” There are some ways you can help to prevent antibiotic
resistance:
- Don’t take antibiotics for viral infections.
- When you are prescribed an antibiotic, take it exactly
as directed. Don’t skip doses and complete the course
of treatment prescribed by your healthcare provider.
- Don’t save any antibiotics for the next time you
get sick.
- Don’t take antibiotics prescribed for someone else – not
even family members or friends. It may not be appropriate
for your illness.
- Don’t demand antibiotics when a healthcare provider
has determined they are not needed. For
more information about bacteria, viruses and antibiotics
and symptom relief for viral infections, go to Links.
[Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention]
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