Common viral infections, like coughs or a cold, can sometimes become complicated and a bacterial infection can develop. However, treating viral infections with antibiotics in order to prevent bacterial infections is not recommended because of the risk of causing bacterial resistance:. Remember that antibiotics do not work against viral colds and the flu, and that unnecessary antibiotics can be harmful.
Talk with your healthcare provider about antibiotics and find out about the differences between viruses and bacteria, and when antibiotics should and should not be used. If your child receives an antibiotic, be sure to give it exactly as prescribed to decrease the development of resistant bacteria. Have your child finish the entire prescription. Don't stop when the symptoms of infection go away. Never save the left over antibiotics to use "just in case.
Do not share your antibiotics with someone else or take an antibiotic that was prescribed for someone else. Remember that taking antibiotics appropriately and making sure your child receives the proper immunizations will help prevent having to take more dangerous and more costly medicines.
Talk with your healthcare provider for more information. Health Home Wellness and Prevention. There are 2 main types of germs that cause most infections. These are viruses and bacteria. Viruses cause: Colds and flu Runny noses Most coughs and bronchitis Most sore throats Antibiotics cannot kill viruses or help you feel better when you have a virus. So, some patients might expect a prescription for an antibitoic and even ask their doctor for it. For example, strep throat is a bacterial infection, but most sore throats are due to viruses, allergies, or other things that antibiotics cannot treat.
But many people with a sore throat will go to a health care provider expecting — and getting — a prescription for antibiotics that they do not need. Taking antibiotics for colds and other viral illnesses doesn't work — and it can create bacteria that are harder to kill.
Taking antibiotics too often or for the wrong reasons can change bacteria so much that antibiotics don't work against them. This is called bacterial resistance or antibiotic resistance. Some bacteria are now resistant to even the most powerful antibiotics available. Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem. That's because:.
Every family faces its share of colds, sore throats , and viruses. When you bring your child to the doctor for these illnesses, it's important to not expect a prescription for antibiotics. Reviewed by: Kate M. Cronan, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is Antibiotic Overuse? What Do Antibiotics Treat? As much as 30 percent of antibiotic use is thought to be unnecessary. Antibiotics are used for treating infections caused by bacteria. Your healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms and conduct a physical exam to determine the cause of your infection.
In some cases, they may request a blood or urine test to confirm the cause of infection. Most antibiotics have similar side effects. Perhaps the most common side effect is gastrointestinal GI upset, including:. In some cases, these side effects can be reduced if you take the antibiotic with food. However, some antibiotics must be taken on an empty stomach. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the best way to take your antibiotic.
GI upset usually goes away after you stop treatment. Also, call your doctor if you develop:. Antibiotics are most effective when used appropriately. This starts with ensuring that you really need the antibiotic. Only use antibiotics prescribed by your doctor for a bacterial infection.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the best way to take your antibiotic. Some should be taken with food to reduce side effects but others need to be taken on an empty stomach. Antibiotics should also be taken in the prescribed amount and for the directed length of treatment. You might feel better within a few days after starting the antibiotic but you should talk with your healthcare provider before stopping your treatment early. Are you taking antibiotics and wondering if you can drink alcohol?
Mixing alcohol and certain antibiotics can cause severe nausea, vomiting, and…. If you've ever been prescribed antibiotics, you've likely been told that it may make your birth control less effective. Here's what the research says. Experts say some antibiotics can kill healthy gut bacteria. They recommend people eat yogurt and other fermented foods while taking the medications. Antibiotics are a common and important type of medicine that treats bacterial infections.
We've rounded up a list of the most common antibiotics. Learn about the antibiotic tetracycline, including how it affects the teeth and what you can do about it. Sensitivity analysis, or susceptibility testing, helps doctors figure out treatment for infections and if they are resistant to antibiotics. If you miss a dose of antibiotics, take it as soon as you remember.
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt contain calcium. When calcium comes into contact with doxycycline, it triggers a chemical reaction that…. Should you drink alcohol while taking the popular antibiotic doxycycline?
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