Antibiotics: Will they work when you really need them?

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  • By 66th Medical Squadron
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  In a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's report, "Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, 2013," at least 2 million people become infected with bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics and at least 23,000 people die each year as a direct result of these infections in the United States. Many more people die from other conditions that were complicated by an antibiotic-resistant infection.

According to Lt. Col. Theresa Murphy, 66th Medical Squadron Health Care Integrator, antibiotic resistance is one of the world's most pressing public health threats. Antibiotic overuse increases the development of drug-resistant germs.

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in a way that reduces or eliminates the effectiveness of antibiotics.

"Antibiotics can cure bacterial infections, but not viral infections," said Murphy. "Treating viruses with antibiotics does not work, and it increases the likelihood that you will become ill with an antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection."

According to the CDC, reactions to antibiotics in children are the most common cause of emergency room visits for adverse drug events.

Children may have up to nine colds each year. Three out of 10 children who visit an outpatient provider with the common cold receive an antibiotic. This is an improvement from previous years, but antibiotics are not indicated for a common cold."

Most illnesses are caused by two kinds of germs: bacteria or viruses. Antibiotics can cure bacterial infections - not viral infections.

Bacteria causes strep throat, some pneumonia and sinus infections, and can be treated by antibiotics, she said.

Viruses cause the common cold, most coughs and the flu, and should not be treated by antibiotics.

"Using antibiotics for a virus will not cure the infection, will not help your child feel better, and will not keep others from catching your child's illness," she went on to say.

What should people do if diagnosed with a viral infection?

The CDC website also states that most people with a common cold or flu will improve in seven to 10 days and will not require a clinic visit. Additionally, many over-the-counter cold medications available at civilian pharmacies and drug stores can help lessen symptoms such as fever, runny nose, sore throat and fatigue.

The CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever resolves, limit trips to public places, wear a facemask if you have one and cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue.

"Remember to wash your hands often with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water to keep from spreading flu to others, as this is the best method to prevent the spread of infections," she added.

What should people do if diagnosed with a bacterial infection?

"If your medical provider prescribes an antibiotic, take the antibiotic exactly as the medical provider prescribes," said Murphy. "Do not skip doses. Complete the prescribed course of treatment, even when you start feeling better."

She also said to take only antibiotics prescribed for you; do not share or use leftover antibiotics.

"Antibiotics treat specific types of infections. Taking the wrong medicine may delay correct treatment and allow bacteria to multiply," she said.

She went on to say that patients should not save antibiotics for the next illness.

"Discard any leftover medication once the prescribed course of treatment is completed," Murphy said. "Prevent infections by practicing good hand hygiene and getting recommended vaccines."

Patients should not ask for antibiotics when a medical provider thinks they are not necessary.

"Remember antibiotics have side effects. When a medical provider says you don't need an antibiotic, taking one may do more harm than good," she said.

As a reminder for supervisors of military members, in accordance with Air Force Instruction 41-210, Tricare Operations and Patient Administration Functions, Unit Commanders and supervisors have the authority to grant up to 24 hours sick status at their discretion if a member's illness or injury does not require Military Treatment Facility intervention.

For further information, visit these links:

http://www.cdc.gov/cdctv/SnortSniffleSneeze/index.html

http://www.cdc.gov/GetSmart/campaign-materials/print-materials/Brochure-Parent-color.pdf

http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/campaign-materials/week/downloads/gsw-factsheet-parents.pdf