Antibiotics are powerful medications designed to treat bacterial infections, but they are not a cure for every illness.
Misusing antibiotics can lead to serious long-term health issues, including antibiotic resistance. While the common cold and flu can leave you feeling miserable, reaching for antibiotics may not be the best solution.
The Science Behind Antibiotics, Bacteria and Viruses
Bacteria and viruses are responsible for a wide range of illnesses, including the common cold and flu, which are caused by viruses.
Antibiotics are designed to treat bacterial infections, not viral ones. In fact, using antibiotics for viral conditions provides no benefit and also contributes to antibiotic resistance.
The Dangers of Antibiotic Resistance
Every year, antibiotics are prescribed for viral illnesses, contributing to the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.
This occurs when bacteria evolve to survive, despite the presence of antibiotics, often due to overuse or misuse. As bacteria become resistant, antibiotics lose their effectiveness, leaving us vulnerable to serious infections like pneumonia and sepsis.
Antibiotic resistance is one of the world’s most pressing public health challenges, leading to more severe infections, longer hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs.
How to Manage Your Symptoms Responsibly
When dealing with viral infections like the cold or flu, antibiotics are not the answer. Instead, focus on supporting your body’s natural healing process by:
- Getting plenty of rest and sleep
- Staying hydrated
- Using over-the-counter remedies such as pain relievers
- Fuelling your body with a healthy diet
Key Takeaways
- Only use antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Never take leftover antibiotics or someone else’s antibiotics
- Take antibiotics only as prescribed
- Complete the full course, even if you feel better
- Ask your doctor if you are unsure about needing antibiotics
By understanding when antibiotics are truly needed and when they are not, we can protect our own health and safeguard the well-being of our communities.
Responsible use of antibiotics today ensures their effectiveness tomorrow, keeping these vital medicines available when we need them the most.
Let us all work together to make informed choices, prioritise public health, and create a healthier future for everyone.
