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You can help prevent a very serious threat to global public health. This sounds dramatic, but so is what's happening as the result of the improper use and overuse of antibiotics.
Antibiotics are wonder drugs that can kill bugs that used to kill people. However, if antibiotics are used when they're not needed or are used improperly, these drugs stop working. They become "resistant" — that is, they will not work — against the bacteria they were designed to kill. And the result — antibiotic resistance — is scary. The world is seeing so-called "superbugs" that can't be killed. Some of these infections cause slow, horrible deaths that no medicine can touch.
Every time a person takes an antibiotic when it's really not needed or does not use a full prescription, he or she is at risk for developing a superbug that can't be treated. This is a very serious problem that's growing around the world.
Antibiotic Facts
Here are some facts you should know to protect yourself and your family:
· A recent study showed that more people are developing antibiotic-resistant infections. The study looked at Streptococcus pneumoniae, the bacteria that are the most common cause of middle ear infections, pneumonia and meningitis. The incidence of antibiotic resistant strains jumped from 9 percent in 1995 to 14 percent in 1998.
· Bacteria are outsmarting doctors, hospitals and the pharmaceutical industry. The bugs are changing and becoming resistant to existing antibiotics faster than pharmaceutical companies can create new medicines.
When Antibiotics Are Used
Antibiotics fight illnesses caused by bacteria, not those caused by viruses. Here are guidelines from the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics for when antibiotics should — and should not — be used to treat common conditions.
|
Condition |
Antibiotic Use |
Reasons |
|
Colds |
No |
Viruses cause colds and flu, and antibiotics don't work against viral infections. |
|
Sinus infections |
Sometimes |
When cold symptoms last more than 10 days, sinus infections may result in facial swelling, facial pain and fever. Antibiotics may be prescribed. However, allergic nasal congestion is often misdiagnosed as a sinus infection and will not respond to antibiotics. |
|
Strep throat |
Yes |
Following physical exam and laboratory tests, sore throats that are known to result from Streptococcus bacteria can be helped with antibiotics. |
|
Sore throats (tonsillitis) |
Sometimes |
Viruses and less serious bacteria can cause white spots and/or large tonsils. Antibiotics should not be given without a positive lab test. |
|
Coughs, bronchitis |
Rarely |
Viruses can cause coughs that produce thick, discolored material. Antibiotics are used only when there is an indication of bacterial infection. |
Safe Use of Antibiotics
Here's how to protect yourself and your family and prevent the threat of superbugs:
· Don't ask for or expect a prescription for antibiotics. As shown above, antibiotics don't work on colds, flu or other viral infections — so don't demand them. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily increases your risk for developing incurable infections.
· NEVER take antibiotics that have not been prescribed by a physician. Do not take antibiotics — or any medication — given to you by friends, or medicines you have purchased in Mexico, without the guidance and prescription of a physician who knows your medical history. Particularly nasty, killer superbugs are appearing in Texas-Mexico border communities because of this practice
· Take all of the antibiotic prescribed. Take antibiotics — and all medications — as prescribed, until you have finished the course. Don't ever stop taking an antibiotic because you're feeling better.
Antibiotics can save your life. Respect the power they offer by using them safely and only as directed by your physician.
Healthy Ending is a public service of TMA and Texas Medicine is approved by the TMA Council on Public Health. The information and recommendations appearing here are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis. For specific information concerning your medical condition, Texas Medicine and TMA strongly recommend that you consult your physician.