Using Antibiotics Wisely

Several Reasons Why We Should Use Antibiotics Wisely

Since penicillin’s discovery in 1928 (and its widespread availability in the 1940s), antibiotics have been responsible for curing a number of deadly bacterial diseases and saving countless lives. As a natural extension of their success, many people have come to believe that antibiotics have “magical” powers that allow them to cure every type of infection or illness. The fact is, however, that antibiotics are very effective at curing many bacterial infections but are powerless against viral infections. Today, antibiotics are being overused in record numbers and this is leading to a number of problems, including the public health threat called antibiotic resistance. A recent study from the Harvard School of Public Health reports that half of the 100 million antibiotic prescriptions written in physician offices each year are unnecessary. It is important to point out that antibiotics can actually do harm (side effects including rashes, diarrhea, and in some cases even death) so we don’t want to use them any more than necessary. Our friends at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have published a number of Frequently Asked Questions on proper antibiotic use; please read them…they may save your life.

What is an antibiotic?

An antibiotic is a powerful medication designed to kill bacteria. These drugs enable physicians to cure bacterial illnesses like ear infections and strep throat.

What are resistant bacteri a?

Some bacteria are not killed by antibiotics. These bacteria are considered to be “resistant” to the antibiotic. Resistant bacteria emerge because of overuse and misuse of antibiotics. Once bacteria develop resistance to antibiotic treatment, they continue to live and/or multiply even after an antibiotic is taken.

What is an antibiotic-resistant infection?

An antibiotic-resistant infection is an infection that is difficult or impossible to cure with antibiotics. Ear, sinus, throat, lungs and intestines are common sites for antibiotic-resistant infections. These infections may be hard to treat, resulting in longer and more severe illnesses. They may even need to be treated in the hospital.

How do I catch an antibiotic-resistant infection?

There are three ways in which you can get an antibiotic-resistant infection:

1. You can develop antibiotic-resistant infections when you take an antibiotic. Bacteria that have been exposed to the antibiotic, but have developed ways to fight them, survive. They can multiply and begin to cause symptoms. You can also transmit these resistant bacteria to others and they too may become ill,
2. You can catch antibiotic-resistant infections from people or objects around you that are infected with resistant bacteria. Resistant bacteria are frequently found among people in hospitals, nursing homes or day care centers. Not properly washing hands can increase your risk of catching all kinds of infections.
3. You can develop an antibiotic-resistant infection when the bacteria inside your body exchange, share, or copy genes that allow them to resist antibiotic treatment.

How can I prevent antibiotic-resistant infections?

You can do a number of things to prevent antibiotic-resistant infections in yourself and others:

1. Never take an antibiotic for viral illness such as cold, flu, or cough
2. Always wash your hands thoroughly.
3. Always handle food correctly.
4. Take antibiotics exactly as the doctor prescribes
5. Take the antibiotic until it is gone, even if you are feeling better. Never save the drugs to treat yourself or others later.

Why would health care providers give antibiotics if not needed?

Approximately half of all antibiotic prescriptions are not needed. Many health care providers report feeling pressured by worried parents or patients to prescribe antibiotics. Rather than take the time to explain why an antibiotic isn’t needed, it may be easier to write a prescription. They also may not be sure whether an infection is caused by a bacterium or virus. In some cases, laboratory tests (such as for strep throat) can be helpful but again require extra time and sometimes a second visit for the patient.

If my doctor wants to give me an antibiotic, what questions do I need to ask?

1. Why do I (or my child) need an antibiotic?
2. What is the name of the drug?
3. How and when do I take it and for how long?
4. Are there food, drinks, or activities I should avoid while taking this medication?
5. Does the medication cause side effects? What are they and how can I prevent them?

In summary, it is important to remember that antibiotic use should be taken seriously. If you have a viral illness, do not insist on taking an antibiotic because it won’t help. Talk with your doctor as needed, get lots of rest, take over the counter medications to control your symptoms (if necessary) and let your body fight off the virus.