Do You Really Need Antibiotics?
Antibiotics can be an important tool in the fight against bacterial infections. However, overuse and/or inappropriate use, (such as using them to treat colds or viruses) have led to widespread antibiotic resistance both in the U.S. and throughout the world.
When antibiotics are used inappropriately, they can kill off “good” bacteria that help you fight infection. The “bad” bacteria that are left behind have a chance to grow and multiply. These bacteria can develop antibiotic-resistant traits.
Antibiotic resistance is now considered one of the world’s most critical public health problems. Illnesses that used to be easy to treat with antibiotics can now become dangerous, and even deadly.
Antibiotic resistance is not just a problem for the person with the infection. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can also spread from one person to another.
As a Suffolk County leader in public health issues, Stony Brook Medicine wants to raise awareness about this important issue
What you need to know:
- Antibiotics are used to cure bacterial infections, not viral infections such as colds or the flu.
- If you do get sick, ask your healthcare provider if there are ways to relieve your symptoms without taking antibiotics.
- If you are prescribed antibiotics, take them exactly as directed. Do not stop taking them because you feel better.
- If you experience side effects from taking antibiotics, call your doctor.
- Do not ever self-medicate with leftover antibiotics or antibiotics prescribed for someone else.
- Do not pressure your healthcare provider to prescribe antibiotics.
- You can reduce your family's chances of needing antibiotics by taking preventive measures such as getting recommended vaccinations, maintaining good hand hygiene and covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
Find out more:
Chart: Viruses or Bacteria – What’s Got You Sick?
Cold or Flu. Antibiotics Don’t Work for You.
Click here to learn more about antibiotics and children.
Sources:
http://health.usnews.com/health-news/articles/2015/11/18/when-antibiotics-are-needed
https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/issue/feb2014/feature1
http://www.health24.com/News/how-to-avoid-overuse-of-antibiotics-20151119