Defeating the Purpose of Antibiotics

You've heard of them - antibiotics. Wonder drugs, right? Well, not exactly. In fact, millions of people don't use antibiotics correctly. This is a major problem.

Antibiotics usually kill bacteria or stop them from growing. However, some bacteria have become resistant, so the antibiotics don't work against them. Resistant bacteria develop faster when antibiotics are used too often or are not used correctly. When antibiotics don't work, illnesses last longer and are more difficult to treat.

Tens of millions of antibiotics prescribed in doctors' offices each year are for viral infections. Doctors often say they feel pressured by their patients to prescribe these. Antibiotics treat only bacteria. They do not kill viruses.

So what are the differences between viruses and bacteria? They are different types of organisms. A virus is a tiny organism that cannot grow or reproduce without a living cell. A virus invades the living cell and uses the cell's machinery to keep itself alive and to create more viruses. Colds, the flu, bronchitis, most coughs and runny noses are caused by viruses.

Bacteria are different. They are organisms that are made up of one cell. They can live by themselves or as parasites, meaning that they depend on other organisms for life. One kind is E.coli, a common bacterium that can cause food poisoning and can even kill. Streptococcus is a common bacterium that causes strep throat, a frequent illness in children.

Taking antibiotics for viral infections will not cure you, protect others from catching your illness or help you feel better. When antibiotics are used incorrectly, they allow bacteria to learn to overcome the medications.

What can you do to protect yourself and your family? It's easy.

• Don't ask the doctor to write you a prescription to treat something that is probably a cold or the flu. If you think you may have strep throat, your doctor should take a sample from the back of your throat (a throat culture) to see if bacteria are causing the problem.
• If the doctor writes you a prescription, ask what medication is being prescribed and what it's for. Ask if the doctor is sure that you have a bacterial infection.
• When you are prescribed an antibiotic, take it exactly as the doctor tells you. Do not skip doses. Finish the entire bottle - even if you start feeling better. If you stop taking it too soon, some bacteria may survive, causing your infection to return. This may also allow bacteria to become resistant.
• Do not save antibiotics and treat yourself if you get another sickness - whether it's bacterial or not. Different antibiotics treat different types of bacteria. The medication prescribed for your last bacterial infection may not help with your current illness.
• Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. Taking the wrong medicine may delay correct treatment and allow bacteria to multiply.
• Wash your hands with warm soapy water regularly.

Related Articles What Is the Difference Between a Cold and the Flu? What Are Symptoms Associated With Colds and Flu? How Will I Know if a Cold or Flu Requires Medical Attention? What Can I Do at Home to Feel Better When I Catch a Cold or Flu?

External Source The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.

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