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Antibiotics can't help with colds, flu or other viral infections
Article published on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2007 |
PINELLAS COUNTY – Colds, flu, most sore throats and bronchitis are caused by viruses. Antibiotics do not help fight viruses.
In fact, according to the Pinellas County Health Department, taking antibiotics when a person has a virus may do more harm than good. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed increases the risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.
Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses such as:
• Colds or flu
• Most coughs and bronchitis
• Sore throats not caused by strep
• Runny noses
Taking antibiotics for viral infections, such as a cold, cough, the flu, or most bronchitis, will not cure the infection, keep others from catching the illness or help one feel better.
Using antibiotics appropriately is best for all. When an antibiotic is prescribed:
• Take it exactly as the doctor states. Complete the prescribed course even if feeling better. Stopping treatment too soon may allow some bacteria to survive and cause re-infection.
• Make sure children take all medication as prescribed, even if feeling better.
• Do not skip doses.
• Do not save any antibiotics.
• Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. The antibiotic may not be appropriate for that illness. Taking the wrong medicine may delay correct treatment and allow bacteria to multiply.
• Do not take an antibiotic for a viral infection like a cold, a cough or the flu.
• Do not demand antibiotics when a doctor says they’re not necessary.
Antibiotic resistance has been called one of the world’s most pressing public health problems. Antibiotic resistance can cause significant danger and suffering for people who have common infections that once were easily treatable with antibiotics.
When antibiotics fail to work, the consequences are longer-lasting illnesses, more doctor visits or extended hospital stays and the need for more expensive and toxic medications. Some resistant infections can cause death.
Those who are sick aren’t the only people who can suffer the consequences. Families and entire communities can feel the impact when disease-causing germs become resistant to antibiotics. These antibiotic-resistant bacteria can quickly spread to family members, classmates and co-workers.
Remember:
• Taking antibiotics for viral infections will increase the risk of antibiotic resistance.
• Tens of millions of antibiotics prescribed in doctors’ offices each year are for viral infections, which cannot effectively be treated with antibiotics. Doctors cite diagnostic uncertainty, time pressure on physicians and patient demand as the primary reasons why antibiotics are over-prescribed.
• Reduce the spread of viral infections through frequent hand washing and by avoiding close contact with others.
Visit www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/community/index.htm.
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Article published on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2007
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