Antibiotics:  Misuse Today, No Use Tomorrow

Test your knowledge about antibiotics
Read the statements below and determine if they are a true statement or a myth.

(As soon as you click on an answer, you will be linked to the page containing that information.)

1.  Antitboitics are effective against both bacterial and viral infections.

• Myth
• True statement

2.  Antibiotics can cure common colds, sore throats, coughs, and aches and pains.

• Myth
• True statement

3.  It is okay to stop taking an antibiotic after your symptoms go away.

• Myth
• True statement

4.  Children fight off most childhood illnesses better with antibiotics.

• Myth
• True statement

Antibiotics are powerful drugs used to treat certain illnesses, not all illnesses.  When used properly, they can be very effective.  But when they are used unnecessarily, or incorrectly, they can contribute to antibiotic resistance.

You've come to the right place to learn more abut the proper use of antibiotics.  This knowledge will help decrease the antibiotic resistance problem.  But what is the Antibiotic Resistance?

After reading all the information, view the Summary.

Antibiotic Resistance

What is antibiotic resistance?

• Antibiotic resistance occurs when all the bacteria that cause infection are not killed by the antibiotics taken to stop the infection.
• When antibiotics are overused, bacteria can develop new ways to fight off the medicine.
• When these new, stronger bacteria survive they continue to multiply causing more harm.

Contributions to antibiotic resistance include:

• insisting on an antibiotic prescription for a viral infection;
• failing to finish an antibiotic prescription;
• saving the unused medication and taking it later for another illness;
• taking antibiotics before symptoms arise simply to avoid getting sick;
• failing to take an antibiotic as scheduled.
  

Back to Test Your Knowledge About Antibiotics

Question One

Antibiotics are effective against both bacterial and viral infections.
This is a myth.

• Antibiotics cannot cure every illness.
• Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections such as strep throat and sinusitis.
• Antibiotics have absolutely no impact on viral infections such as the flu.

Common Illnesses

• Colds and flu are caused by viruses.  They can't be cured with antibiotics.
• Coughs and bronchitis are almost always caused by viruses.
• Sore throats are most often caused by viruses.  Strep throat is caused by bacteria and usually requires treatment with antibiotics.
• Sinus infections do not always indicate a bacterial infection.  Antibiotics should only be used for severe infections or those that last more than two weeks.

View the accompanying article, "Antibiotics: Used Properly Can Help, Used Improperly Can Harm"

Back to Test Your Knowledge About Antibiotics

Question Two

Antibiotics are the only cure for common colds, sore throats, coughs, and aches and pains.
This is also a myth.

• These illnesses are caused by viral infections, not bacterial.

• Antibiotics are not the answer for viral infections such as common colds, sore throats, coughs, and aches and pains.

Remedies for Viral Infections

• Raise the humidity level by sitting in the bathroom with a hot shower running or using a humidifier/vaporizer.

• Drink extra fluids; warm fluids are especially soothing for irritated throats.

• Gargle with salt water.

• Suck on hard candy.  Hard candies are as effective as cough drops.

• Try saline nose drops or sprays.

• Get plenty of rest.

• Wash your hands often.

• Eat soup.

• Relieve your symptoms with over-the-counter cold and cough medicines.

• Ask your pharmacist about off-the-shelf alternatives.

View the accompanying article, "First Health Urges You to Talk to Your Doctor and Your Pharmacist About Alternatives to Antibiotics"

Back to Test Your Knowledge About Antibiotics

Question Three

It is okay to stop taking an antibiotic after your symptoms go away.
This is a myth.

• You need to finish the entire prescription, even if you feel well or no longer experience symptoms to minimize the probability of resistant bacteria.
• If you don't finish the entire prescription, these resistant bacteria will continue to replicate and you will have to fight the infection a second time, this time facing a stronger opponent.
• It is important to take an antibiotic exactly as the doctor prescribes.

View the accompanying article, "Antibiotic Prescriptions: To Finish Or Not to Finish?  First Health Provides the Answer"

Back to Test Your Knowledge About Antibiotics

Question Four

Children fight off most childhood illnesses better with antibiotics.
This is a myth.

• The most common childhood illnesses (sore throats, bronchitis and colds) rarely warrant antibiotics.
• Children may get better a bit quicker at first with antibiotics, but then they are likely to get sick more often, with longer, more stubborn infections caused by more resistant bacteria. 

Questions to ask your pediatrician

• Why does my child need an antibiotic?
• What is the name of the drug?
• How and when does he/she take it and for how long?
• Are there food, drinks or activities my child should avoid while taking this medication?
• Does the medication cause side effects?  What are they and how can I prevent them?
• Can he/she take this medication safely while also taking another prescription or non-prescription medicine?

View the accompanying article, "Unsure What To Do When Your Child Is Sick?  First Health Helps Provide Education"

After reading all the information, view the Summary.

Back to Test Your Knowledge About Antibiotics

Summary

• Smart use of antibiotics is the key to decreasing, or even reversing, the spread of resistance.
• Taking antibiotics properly can help prevent having to take more dangerous and more costly medications.
• Taking your medicine exactly as it is prescribed and do not expect to take antibiotics every time you get sick.

You can better manage your health if you have the right information and communicate with your  doctor.  Keep in mind that if you misuse antibiotics today, they will be of no use tomorrow.

For more information on antibiotic resistance, visit the CDC site at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/antibioticresistance.

Back to Test Your Knowledge About Antibiotics