Antibiotic usage

Antibiotics are important medicines that help fight infections caused by bacteria. Often you do not need antibiotics to help you get better, for example; when you have a viral infection, because antibiotics don't work against viruses. Here are some things you can do instead to make yourself feel better:

• stay at home and rest if you have a temperature (feel feverish)
  
• drink plenty of water or soft drinks
  
• take paracetamol to bring down your temperature or if you are in discomfort
  
• speak to your local pharmacist about other remedies you can safely take for your symptoms

Why don't doctors automatically give antibiotics now?
In recent years a number of bacteria have emerged that are antibiotic resistant, which means antibiotics no longer work against them

It is important that we control the use of antibiotics now, because some bacteria are now resistant to several antibiotics (multidrug resistant). We cannot be certain that in the future we will always be able to find new antibiotics to replace the ones that no longer kill bacteria. In recent years fewer new antibiotics have been discovered, so we must look after the antibiotics we have by using them carefully

We now know that many infections get better just as quickly without antibiotics - in fact, antibiotics don't work against viruses. Do not expect your doctor to prescribe antibiotics for colds, or for most coughs and sore throats. Viral infections are much more common than bacterial infections, and all colds and most coughs and sore throats are caused by viruses

But colds always go to my chest. Surely I need an antibiotic then?
Usually not. Most colds last about two weeks and end with a cough and coloured sputum. You need to see your doctor if your cough lasts more than three weeks, or you become very short of breath or develop chest pains, or you already have a chest complaint. You should also see your doctor if you are worried about your symptoms. Remember there are remedies you can take to help ease the symptoms - paracetamol, for example, or a cold remedy from the chemist. Ask your pharmacist for advice

So when are antibiotics the answer? When might I need an antibiotic?
Your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic when you need one, for example, for a kidney infection or pneumonia. Antibiotics may be lifesaving for infections such as meningitis. By not using them unnecessarily, they are more likely to work when we need them

If I am prescribed antibiotics, should I stop taking them as soon as I begin to feel better?
No. Take them as prescribed and finish the course, unless your doctor or pharmacist advises otherwise. Antibiotic resistance is more likely to develop if antibiotics are taken intermittently, for example, just when you remember, or in too low a dose

Source: LSMP

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