While viruses cause colds and the flu, taking antibiotics for a virus may do more harm than good.
That’s why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with other health advocates, are asking that during this cold and flu season people consider the dangers of antibiotic resistance. A course of antibiotics won’t fight the virus, make the patient feel better, yield a quicker recovery or keep others from getting sick.
In fact, antibiotic resistance, which is associated with the recent news reports of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, is among the growing public health concerns in the world.
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change or adapt to treatments. That reduces or eliminates the effectiveness of drugs designed to cure or prevent infections. Public health officials have been increasingly outspoken about how widespread inappropriate use of antibiotics has fueled an increase in antibiotic-
resistant bacteria.
Here are tips from the CDC:
Do not demand antibiotics when a healthcare provider says they are not needed. They will not help treat your infection.
Do not take an antibiotic for a viral infection like a cold, a cough, flu or acute bronchitis.
When you are prescribed an antibiotic, do not skip doses or stop taking the medicine early.
Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. Taking the wrong medicine may allow bacteria to multiply.
Prevent the spread of infections through frequent hand washing.
Talk with your healthcare provider about antibiotic resistance.
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