Do I Really Need Antibiotics?
Antibiotics are powerful medicines that can kill harmful bacteria and treat infections. However, they are not always necessary and can sometimes do more harm than good. Here are some key points from the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care’s latest guide on antibiotic use:
When Antibiotics Are Not Needed
- Viral Infections: Antibiotics do not work against viruses, so they won’t help with colds, flu, COVID-19, bronchitis, most coughs, sore throats, and ear infections.
- Self-Resolving Infections: Many bacterial infections can get better on their own without antibiotics. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can lead to side effects like nausea and diarrhea.
Understanding Antibiotic Resistance
- What It Is: Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. This makes infections harder to treat.
- Why It Matters: Resistant infections can last longer, cause more complications, and spread more easily. They can also make medical procedures riskier and may require stronger, intravenous antibiotics.
Preventing Antibiotic Resistance
- Use Wisely: Only take antibiotics when prescribed by a healthcare professional. Do not use leftover antibiotics or share them with others.
- Proper Disposal: Return any leftover antibiotics to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- Do we need to test the cause of my infection?
- How long should my recovery take?
- What are the risks and benefits of taking antibiotics?
- Will the antibiotic affect my regular medicines?
- How should I take the antibiotic (how often, for how long, and with or without food or other medicines)?
By being informed and cautious about antibiotic use, we can help combat antibiotic resistance and ensure these vital medicines remain effective for those who truly need them.
For more information, view the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care’s Guide.
