What are bacteria and viruses?
Bacteria and viruses are microscopic organisms that can cause a variety of infections such as upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, ear infections, sinus infections, sore throat, etc.
What are antibiotics?
Antibiotics are medications that specifically fight infections caused by bacteria (not viruses!!). Antibiotics work by either killing the bacteria or making it difficult for the bacteria to grow.
Which infections are caused by viruses (and therefore should not be treated with antibiotics)?
The common cold, influenza (the flu), most sore throats and coughs, and many sinus and ear infections are generally viral infections. Therefore antibiotics are likely not appropriate treatment options for these types of acute illnesses.
I just want to feel better…does using an antibiotic hurt anything?
Overuse and misuse of antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance, which is the ability of the bacteria to resist the effects of an antibiotic. Every time someone takes antibiotics, sensitive bacteria dies, but resistant bacteria are able to continue to grow and multiply. Antibiotic resistance can make infections that were typically easy to treat become more dangerous infections because they are now more difficult and expensive to kill.
What can I do to protect myself from antibiotic resistance?
- Ask your doctor about available vaccinations that may help you prevent catching certain infections, such as the flu.
- If you see your doctor for an illness, and they do not prescribe an antibiotic, don’t insist on one. Based on your symptoms, your doctor may have decided that your infection is viral, and therefore an antibiotic is not needed. Taking an antibiotic for a viral infection will not help you feel better, and only increases your risk of antibiotic resistance in the future.
- If you are prescribed an antibiotic, take the medication as directed, and make sure to finish it all (even if you start to feel better). If you don’t complete the full antibiotic course, the bacteria will continue to grow, and may actually become stronger because it now knows how to combat the antibiotic you were receiving.
