Did you know that colds, flu, most sore throats, nasal congestion, fever and body pains as well bronchitis are caused by viruses? And are you aware, that Antibiotics do not help fight viruses?
Antibiotics fight Bacteria, and are meant to be used against bacterial infections. For example, they are used to treat strep throat, which is caused by streptococcal bacteria, and skin infections caused by staphylococcal bacteria. Although antibiotics kill bacteria, they are not effective against viruses. Therefore, they will not be effective against viral infections such as colds, most coughs, many types of sore throat, and influenza (flu).And yet a study shows that over 50% of patients, which visit a physician with a common cold, sore throat or flu, leave with a prescription for Antibiotics what leads to 30 billion €€€€€€ worth of Antibiotics sold a per year and increasing.
Taking antibiotics when you have a virus will do you more harm than good. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting infections that resists antibiotic treatment in the future, destroy needed body owned bacteria and further weaken your immune system.
Using antibiotics against viral infections:
• will not cure the infection
• will not keep other individuals from catching the virus
• will not help a person feel better
• may cause unnecessary, harmful side effects
• may contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Antibiotic resistance is a growing public health issue
Antibiotic resistance is a growing public health concern worldwide. When a person is infected with an antibiotic-resistant bacterium, not only is treatment of that patient more difficult, but the antibiotic-resistant bacterium may spread to other people. When antibiotics don’t work, the result can be:
• longer illnesses
• more complicated illnesses
• more doctor visits
• the use of stronger and more expensive drugs
• more deaths caused by bacterial infections
“Get Smart” about Antibiotics
Viruses cause common illnesses that antibiotics CAN NOT treat like:
- Colds
- Influenza (the flu)
- Runny noses
- Most coughs
- Most bronchitis
- Most sore throats
- Most sinus infections
- Some ear infections
Hesitate to take Antibiotics in these cases and ask your doctor for an alternative treatment.
How to prevent infections in the first place?
Strengthen you immune system:
“Prevention is better than healing” and there is just one way you can make sure all the viruses and bacteria’s that cross your way on a daily basis don’t harm you or your family – A strong Immune System.
1. Eat a healthy balanced diet
2. Exercise regularly
3. Mange your stress levels and get enough sleep
Do You Need Help With That?
Personal hygiene
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching ATM’s, visiting shopping malls, using public transport or shared devices in gym’s or shared computers in coffee shops.
- Don’t share personal items like lipsticks, gloss or make up, Toothbrushes, towels, razors, handkerchiefs, and nail clippers can all be sources of infectious agents (bacteria, viruses, and fungi).
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and avoid people that openly cough and sneeze.
