Nov 15, 2023

Facts about Antibiotics

Antibiotic Safety

Antibiotic Safety is observed annually in the United States to raise our awareness to the importance of appropriate antibiotic and antifungal use. Misuse of antibiotics or antifungals can cause side effects and contribute to a serious problem that occurs “when germs, like bacteria and fungi, develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them.” So treatment becomes ineffective. As a result, the CDC says 2.8 million resistant infections occur yearly, killing at least 1.27 million people worldwide.

If antibiotics and/or antifungals lose their effectiveness, the infection can worsen and lead to sepsis. The MayoClinic characterizes Sepsis as a serious health condition where “the body responds improperly to an infection. [And] the infection-fighting process turns on the body, causing the organs to [malfunction].”

Anytime antibiotics aren’t needed, they can’t/won’t help. However the side effects from taking these antibiotics could still cause serious harm. “When bacteria becomes resistant, antibiotics cannot fight them, and the bacteria multiplies.”

Antibiotics can save lives when properly used. However, they do NOT treat viruses like antivirals and other medications for colds, flu, (RSV) respiratory syncytial virus , or COVID-19.
Some bacterial infections improve without antibiotic use. According to the MayoClinic, respiratory viruses usually go away within a week or two without treatment. The recommended course of action is to consult “your healthcare professional about the best way to feel better while your body fights off the virus.”

If antibiotics are needed, they should be taken exactly as prescribed. If severe diarrhea occurs, (or C. diff ) occurs, immediate medical treatment is required.
C. diff is a germ that causes colitis (an inflammation of the colon).
It can happen to anyone. “Most cases … occur while taking antibiotics or not long after taking [them].” C. diff is contagious so proper sanitizing with soap and water is crucial.

Those at risk are:
65 years old or older
Having recently stayed in a hospital or nursing home
And those with weakened immune systems from HIV/AIDS, cancer, or organ transplant drugs

Beware of symptoms like:
[Severe] Diarrhea
Fever
Stomach tenderness or pain
Loss of appetite
Nausea

In conclusion, we can lower our chances of side effects from medicines by carefully following the directions on the medicine label or from our pharmacist, doctor, or nurse.
If we don’t understand the directions, ask our doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to us.
Keep a list of all the medicines, vitamins, minerals, and herbs taken — and share this information with our doctor at our next checkup.
Store our medicines in a cool, dry place where children and pets can’t see or reach them.
And remember that using someone else’s prescription medicine can be detrimental to our health.

The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

Leatha Foreman 11/15/23 #1016