You may not be aware of it, but resistance to antibiotics is considered a significant threat to public health. A person develops resistance to common antibiotics when bacteria evolve and become capable of defeating the antibiotic designed to eliminate them. And when the medicine fails to kill the bacteria, they will continue to multiply and worsen the patient’s condition. In the US alone, more than 35,000 people die each year due to antibiotic-resistant infections.
When are antibiotics absolutely necessary?
Antibiotics are used in treating infections caused by bacteria. Many people get prescribed antibiotics for less serious conditions. As such, as long as you have a prescription from your doctor, you can even buy antibiotics online. But, it’s critical to understand that antibiotics shouldn’t be bought with abandon. It is a type of medication that even health professionals prescribe and use with caution. For example, doctors need to use antibiotics to treat post-surgery complications such as sepsis. If the patient develops resistance to antibiotics because of the irresponsible use of the drug, the sepsis could become fatal.
Unfortunately, many people remain misinformed about the right way to use antibiotics. Some buy these drugs from dubious websites, thinking that it’s the cure they need. Remember that antibiotics aren’t effective when the cause of the disease is a virus.
When you don’t need to take antibiotics
Antibiotics are only used if you have a bacterial infection. Therefore, if you caught the flu or have the common cold, you don’t need antibiotics. In fact, some bacterial infections go away without antibiotic treatment. For example, if you have a mild ear infection, you can let your body and immunity naturally heal your condition. Remember that antibiotics may cause side effects. And if you don’t need them, then why risk suffering from any of these?
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Allergic reactions
Some people may not know it, but they could also go into anaphylactic shock if they aren’t aware that they’re allergic to the antibiotic they’re taking.
What is the safest way to take antibiotics, and are there alternatives?
Before resorting to any treatment, it’s always best to consult a physician first. Usually, the doctor will recommend different options and discuss efficacy as well as side-effects. In case antibiotics are the only option, make sure that you follow the recommended dosage, frequency, and treatment period. If you experience any side-effects after starting treatment, inform your doctor right away so that you can switch to a different treatment plan. Most importantly, never attempt to purchase antibiotics from an unregistered seller. If you want to buy online, look for a registered online pharmacy.
The misconception and improper use of antibiotics continue to this day and is an ongoing problem for health professionals. Every person needs to understand the severity of developing antibiotics resistance. Therefore, if you don’t need them, then you shouldn’t take them. Although modern medicine has advanced significantly over the years, emerging challenges could put the public’s health in danger – and antibiotic resistance is one example.