Athens County EMS Weekly Injury and Illness Prevention Tip What Everyone Should Know and Do Snort. Sniffle. Sneeze. No Antibiotics Please! Are you aware that colds, flu, most sore throats, and bronchitis are caused by viruses? Did you know that antibiotics do not help fight viruses? Its true. Plus, taking antibiotics when you have a virus may do more harm than good. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment. If You Have a Cold or Flu, Antibiotics Wont Work For You! Antibiotics cure bacterial infections, not viral infections such as: Colds or flu; Most coughs and bronchitis; Sore throats not caused by strep; or Runny noses. Taking antibiotics for viral infections, such as a cold, cough, the flu, or most bronchitis, will not: Cure the infections; Keep other individuals from catching the illness; or Help you feel better. What Can You Do To Protect Yourself Or Your Child? When you use antibiotics appropriately, you do the best for your health, your familys health, and the health of those around you. We want Americans to keep their families and communities healthy by getting smart about the proper use of antibiotics, said Lauri Hicks, D.O., medical director of CDCs Get Smart campaign. What To Do Talk with your healthcare provider about antibiotic resistance. When you are prescribed an antibiotic, Take it exactly as the doctor tells you. Complete the prescribed course even if you are feeling better. If treatment stops too soon, some bacteria may survive and re-infect you. This goes for children, too. Make sure your children take all medication as prescribed, even if they feel better. Throw away any leftover medication once you have completed your prescription What Not To Do Antibiotics cure bacteria, not viruses such as: Colds or flu; Most coughs and bronchitis; Sore throats not caused by strep; or Runny noses.
Posted on: Wed, 06 Nov 2013 13:00:00 +0000