Are you aware that colds, flu, sore throats and bronchitis are caused by viruses ? Did you know that antibiotics do not fight viruses ? It is true. Moreover, taking antibiotics when you have a virus or when not needed can do more harm than good, because the risk to you later when really need it the treatment based on antibiotics will not respond.
If you have flu or cold, antibiotics will not work for you! Antibiotics kill bacteria, but do not treat you of cold viruses, flu, cough, bronchitis or sore throat. Treatment with antibiotics for viral infections ( colds, flu, cough or bronchitis ) will not cure the infection and will not help you feel better. You must be informed to find out which common diseases are viral or bacterial, and to know when you need to treat with antibiotics. Thus, to protect yourself and your family of the negative effects of antibiotics, consult a specialist doctor about the administration of antibiotics.
When need to take antibiotics:
* Respect the administration that your doctor prescribed;
* Ceases to take other drugs from the moment you received medical treatment for a disease;
* Follow the prescribed treatment even when you feel better, because if treatment is stopped suddenly before the deadline and some bacteria can survive, the disease can reappear.
These tips are valid for children. What NOT to do ?
1. Do not take antibiotics more than necessary dose.
2. Do not keep any of the antibiotics for the next time you get sick.
3. Do not take antibiotics for a viral infection such as flu, cold or cough.
4. Do not ask for antibiotics when a doctor tells you that is not necessary because will not help to treat your infection.
5. Do not take antibiotics that were prescribed to others, because it could not be specific for your condition. Think that antibiotics can allow bacteria to multiply.
Other important information
* Taking antibiotics for viral infections should decrease the risk of antibiotic-resistant;
* Patients ask for treatment with antibiotics as they noticed that they are prescribed everywhere;
* The development of viral infections can be reduced through frequent hand washing and avoiding direct contact with persons already affected;
* Every year, doctors prescribe tens of millions of antibiotics against viral infections, although they can be treated without antibiotics.