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antibiotics vs viral infections, Cheat Sheet of Pharmacology

Antibiotics inefficacies versus viral infections

Typology: Cheat Sheet

2021/2022

Uploaded on 12/19/2022

nbphan22
nbphan22 🇺🇸

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Antibiotics on viral infections ineffectively
Antibiotics do not work on viruses, such as those that cause colds, flu, or COVID-19. Antibiotics
also are not needed for many sinus infections and some ear infections. When antibiotics aren't
needed, they won't help you, and the side effects could still cause harm. Antibiotics are only
needed for treating certain infections caused by bacteria, but even some bacterial infections get
better without antibiotics. We rely on antibiotics to treat serious, life-threatening conditions such
as pneumonia and%sepsis, the body’s extreme response to an infection. Effective antibiotics are
also needed for people who are at high risk for developing infections. Some of those at high risk
for infections include patients undergoing surgery, patients with end-stage kidney disease, or
patients receiving cancer therapy (chemotherapy). Antibiotics have been saving lives ever since
Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in the 1920s. Having medications that actually can
destroy or slow down bacteria meant that infections that could have killed patients could be
treated effectively, and that was an amazing game-changer for medicine.
There are times when antibiotics are still the best available option for an illness or infection, and
taking antibiotics can ensure a safe and healthy recovery. There are also times, however, when
antibiotics are not the best option, and they could potentially end up doing more harm than good.
Antibiotics are often an effective treatment for bacterial infections, but antibiotics are not
effective against viruses. Treating a viral infection with antibiotics would be an inappropriate use
of antibiotics.
Why is it bad to treat viral infections with antibiotics? There are a few reasons. Antibiotics will
not cure infections caused by viruses, and since they do not cure the infection they also do
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Antibiotics on viral infections ineffectively Antibiotics do not work on viruses, such as those that cause colds, flu, or COVID-19. Antibiotics also are not needed for many sinus infections and some ear infections. When antibiotics aren't needed, they won't help you, and the side effects could still cause harm. Antibiotics are only needed for treating certain infections caused by bacteria, but even some bacterial infections get better without antibiotics. We rely on antibiotics to treat serious, life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia and sepsis, the body’s extreme response to an infection. Effective antibiotics are also needed for people who are at high risk for developing infections. Some of those at high risk for infections include patients undergoing surgery, patients with end-stage kidney disease, or patients receiving cancer therapy (chemotherapy). Antibiotics have been saving lives ever since Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in the 1920s. Having medications that actually can destroy or slow down bacteria meant that infections that could have killed patients could be treated effectively, and that was an amazing game-changer for medicine. There are times when antibiotics are still the best available option for an illness or infection, and taking antibiotics can ensure a safe and healthy recovery. There are also times, however, when antibiotics are not the best option, and they could potentially end up doing more harm than good. Antibiotics are often an effective treatment for bacterial infections, but antibiotics are not effective against viruses. Treating a viral infection with antibiotics would be an inappropriate use of antibiotics. Why is it bad to treat viral infections with antibiotics? There are a few reasons. Antibiotics will not cure infections caused by viruses, and since they do not cure the infection they also do

nothing to prevent the spread of the infection. In addition to the fact that antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections, taking an antibiotic to cure a viral infection can lead to potentially harmful side effects, and can contribute to antibiotic resistance. Resistance to antibiotics can lead to bacterial infections that cannot be cured with antibiotics — a major step backward. What can you do to help make sure that you are using antibiotics appropriately?  Avoid self-diagnosis. Don’t assume that you have a bacterial infection that can be cured with antibiotics, and don’t insist on getting antibiotics for viral infections such as the cold or flu.  Do not take antibiotics that were prescribed to someone else, or antibiotics that were prescribed to you on a different occasion. Antibiotics are prescribed for a reason, and taking any prescription drug that was not prescribed to you by a physician is not a wise decision.  Follow the instructions when you do take antibiotics. Complete the course of treatment and take all of the antibiotics you’re prescribed, even if you feel better before you finish them.  If you’re feeling ill and suspect that you have an infection, whether it is bacterial or viral, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician.