MEDICATIONS: ANTIBIOTICS

Bacteria are single-cell organisms that can cause a number of different diseases. Viruses are extremely small infectious agents that also can cause many diseases. Antibiotics work only against bacterial infections and are completely ineffective against infections caused by viruses, such as the flu or the common cold.

The September 12, 2001, issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association includes an article about the overuse of antibiotics for sore throat.

Development of Antibiotic Resistance

Some bacteria develop resistance to a previously effective antibiotic drug. Resistance occurs when bacteria develop a method of growth that cannot be interrupted by the antibiotic or when bacteria break down or inactivate the antibiotic. Antibiotics no longer work against diseases caused by bacteria that have developed resistance against them. Antibiotic resistance has become one of the world’s most pressing public health problems.

Because overuse of antibiotics can cause bacteria to become resistant and antibiotics cannot cure infections caused by viruses, antibiotics should be prescribed only for bacterial infections.

Common Viral Illnesses

These illnesses are usually caused by viruses and generally should not be treated with antibiotics:

· Acute bronchitis — cough, fever

· Common cold — stuffy nose, sore throat, sneezing, cough, headache

· Influenza (flu) — fever and chills, body aches, headache, sore throat, dry cough

· Pharyngitis (sore throat) — except for strep throat, which is caused by a type of bacteria

· Viral gastroenteritis — most cases of vomiting and diarrhea are caused by viruses

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