What Is Antibiotic Resistance?

Antibiotics can treat bacterial infections. However, the risk that they may be ineffective is making doctors hesitant to prescribe them. This article aims to explain why antibiotics are essential and advise on safely using antibiotics and preventing antibiotic resistance.

How Do Antibiotics Work?

Bacterial infections are treated and prevented with antibiotics. To prevent the spread of harmful bacteria, they target and prevent them from multiplying. Antibiotics are usually not required to treat mild bacterial infections.

How Long Do Antibiotics Take To Work?

Depending on your infection type, you may not feel better for 2 or 3 days or even longer. Antibiotics start working immediately, but you may not feel better for 2 or 3 days. No matter how well you think, it's important to continue taking them throughout the recommended course of treatment.

What's Antibiotic rResistance?

Overuse or inappropriate use of antibiotics can result in bacteria becoming resistant, and eventually, antibiotics may cease to work.

There is a problem of antibiotic resistance worldwide today. Thus, treating diseases like pneumonia, tuberculosis, blood poisoning, gonorrhoea, and foodborne diseases is becoming increasingly complex, if not impossible.

To avoid antibiotic resistance, doctors no longer routinely prescribe antibiotics for chest infections, ear infections (in children), or sore throats, but only in severe cases.

When Are Antibiotics Needed?

The best use of antibiotics is as a last resort if the infection is unlikely to clear up without antibiotics (for example, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)) or if it may cause more severe complications.

Antibiotics can save lives if they are used appropriately. You might need antibiotics to treat a more serious illness in the future, but taking them when you don't need them can make them ineffective.

We can examine your symptoms and recommend the best treatment option if you are unsure whether antibiotics are the answer.

Can A Cold Be Treated With Antibiotics?

In the case of viral infections such as colds and flu, coughs, and sore throats, antibiotics don't work because bacteria cause them.

Resting and drinking plenty of fluids are the best things you can do when you have a cold. In case of a high fever, take paracetamol. Antibiotics won't help you get over a cold or flu as quickly as you would like. If you use them for viruses, it is possible to get a bacterial infection resistant to antibiotics. Resting and drinking plenty of fluids can help you rid yourself of these viruses over time.

Is It Possible To Treat Covid-19 With Antibiotics?

COVID-19 is not treatable with antibiotics. However, some people who become ill with Covid-19 may develop bacterial infections, which may be treated with antibiotics.

How Are Antibiotics Taken?

The most common forms of antibiotics are tablets, capsules, liquids, creams, sprays, and drops. You will be prescribed antibiotics based on the type and location of your infection.

How To Take Antibiotics Safely: 6 Tips

The following points should be kept in mind when taking antibiotics:

1. Forgetting A Dose

If you forget to take a dose, take it immediately and continue your antibiotic treatment as usual.

2. Stick To The Recommended Dose

It would help if you never took more than what your doctor prescribes, as doing so will lead to side effects such as pain, diarrhoea, feeling sick, and bloating.

3. Always Check The Label

Antibiotics come in many types; some don't mix well with alcohol or other medications, such as contraceptives. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about the label.

4. Finish The Course

Even if you feel better, follow your doctor's instructions and complete the course of antibiotics prescribed. As a result, any infection will be cleared with enough antibiotics.

5. Don’t Share Antibiotics

It would be best never to take antibiotics prescribed for someone else, as they may not be the right treatment for your condition.

6. Try Probiotics

If you take antibiotics, you should consume more probiotic foods or supplements. Taking this step will protect you from side effects such as thrush.

Is There Anything I Can Do To Prevent Antibiotic Resistance?

• Antibiotics should only be taken when prescribed.
  
  
• If your doctor tells you that antibiotics aren't needed, do not demand them
  
  
• Antibiotics should always be taken according to a doctor's advice
  
  
• Antibiotics should never be shared or used leftovers

What Can I Do To Prevent Infections So I Don't Have To Take Antibiotics?

Avoiding infections in the first place is the best way to avoid taking antibiotics. The following steps will help:

• Maintain a regular hand-washing routine
  
  
• Make sure food is prepared in a hygienic manner
  
  
• Whenever possible, avoid contacting sick people
  
  
• Maintain a safer sexual practice
  
  
• Ensure you are up-to-date on your vaccinations

If you need to learn more about antibiotic resistance, you can consult a Mobi Doctor for expert advice and guidance. Mobi Doctors are medical professionals trained and experienced in diagnosing and treating infections, including antibiotic-resistant ones. They can provide you with the information and support you need to understand and manage this growing concern in healthcare.