Antibiotics: When They Can and Can't Help
What are antibiotics?
Antibiotics are strong medicines that can stop some
infections and save lives. But antibiotics can cause more harm
than good when they aren’t used the right way. You can protect
yourself and your family by knowing when you should use
antibiotics and when you shouldn’t.
Do antibiotics work against all
infections?
No. Antibiotics only work against
infections caused by bacteria. They don’t work against any
infections caused by viruses. Viruses cause colds and most
coughs and sore throats.
What is “bacterial resistance”?
Usually antibiotics kill bacteria
or stop them from growing. However, some bacteria have become
resistant to specific antibiotics so the antibiotics don’t
work against them. Resistant bacteria develop faster when
antibiotics are used too often or are not used
correctly.
Resistant bacteria sometimes can
be treated with antibiotics to which the bacteria have not yet
become resistant. These medicines may have to be given
intravenously (through a vein) in a hospital. A few kinds of
resistant bacteria are untreatable.
What can I do to help myself and my
family?
Don’t expect
antibiotics to cure every illness. Don’t take antibiotics for
colds or the flu. Often, the best thing you can do is to let
colds and the flu run their course. Sometimes this can take 2
weeks or more. Call your doctor if your illness gets worse
after 2 weeks.
How do I know when I need
antibiotics?
The answer depends on what is
causing your infection. The following are some basic
guidelines:
- Colds and flu.
Viruses cause these illnesses. They can’t be cured with
antibiotics.
- Cough or
bronchitis. Viruses almost always cause these. However,
if you have a problem with your lungs or an illness that
lasts a long time, bacteria may actually be the cause. Your
doctor may decide to try using an antibiotic.
- Sore throat. Most
sore throats are caused by viruses and don’t need
antibiotics. However, strep throat is caused by bacteria. A
throat swab and a lab test are usually needed before your
doctor will prescribe an antibiotic for strep throat.
- Ear infections.
There are several types of ear infections. Antibiotics are
used for some, but not all, ear infections.
- Sinus infections.
Antibiotics are often used to treat sinus infections. A
runny nose and yellow or green mucus do not necessarily mean
you need an
antibiotic.
