Posted January 24, 2012 15:07:49 CST

Antibiotic Awareness

by United Health Care reprint

Tips to Help Keep Your Health On Track!

What should everyone know about antibiotics?

Most people do not realize that antibiotics do not treat viruses; they help cure bacterial infections.    Colds or flu, runny noses, most coughs and bronchitis, and sore throats (except those caused by streptococcus) are the result of viruses.  Taking an antibiotic for viruses will not treat them, keep other individuals from catching them or help you feel better.  Further, taking an antibiotic if it isn’t needed may do more harm than good.  Too many doses of an antibiotic may, over a period of time, eventually make your body resistant to its beneficial affects. ⁽¹⁾ 

What will help treat my virus-related illness if an antibiotic won’t?

Get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids and avoid smoking.  People with viruses should avoid second-hand smoke and other pollutants or irritants.  You can also try the following remedies to treat upper respiratory viral infections such as sore throats, ear infections, runny noses, sinus pressure, and coughs: ⁽¹⁾ 

Sore throat

• Soothe with ice chips, sore throat spray or lozenges (do not give lozenges to young children)
• Use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer
• Take acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen as directed to relieve pain or fever

Ear pain

• Place a warm moist cloth over the ear that hurts
• Take acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen as directed to relieve pain or fever

Runny nose

Use a decongestant or saline nasal spray as directed

Breathe in steam to help relieve nasal symptoms

Sinus pressure

• Place a warm compress over the nose and forehead
• Use a decongestant or saline nasal spray as directed
• Breathe in steam to help relieve nasal symptoms
• Take acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen as directed to relieve pain or fever

Cough

• Use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer
• Breathe in steam to help relieve nasal symptoms

How should antibiotics be used?

If you are prescribed an antibiotic because of a bacterial infection, make sure you do the following: ⁽¹⁾

• Adults and children should take the antibiotic exactly as the doctor prescribes; be sure to read all directions and labels carefully before using any medication. 
• Take all of the antibiotic as directed, even if you are feeling better; stopping the antibiotic too soon may cause some bacteria to survive, thereby re-infecting you

What are some facts about antibiotic resistance?  

Resistance to antibiotic treatment has become an alarming health issue because the number of bacteria now resistant to antibiotics has increased substantially in the last ten years.  Many bacteria-related infections are no longer being cured by the most commonly prescribed antibiotics because they have become resistant.  Here are some interesting facts about antibiotics and bacteria resistant to treatment: ⁽¹⁾

• Each time someone takes an antibiotic, resistant germs remain to grow and multiply
• Improper use of antibiotics threatens the overall effectiveness of essential drugs
• Because of increasing resistance, illnesses last longer, doctor visits increase and hospital stays are extended
• Antibiotic resistance often leads to the need for more costly and toxic medications
• Children are a main concern as they have the highest rate of antibiotic usage
• Some antibiotic resistant infections may result in death.
• Monitoring and preventing improper use of antibiotics is important to managing resistance

When to contact your doctor?

Always contact your doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms from an illness that you believe are serious.  Only a trained medical professional can assist you with a serious health problem.

This information is intended as informational only; it is not a replacement for the medical advice of your physician.

⁽¹⁾    www.cdc.gov