The discovery of antibiotics in 1928 revolutionised modern medicine and helped to save countless lives by providing an effective treatment for bacterial infections. However, it is important to understand how antibiotics work and what conditions they can treat. Antibiotics are not a one-size-fits all solution and can only be used to combat medical conditions caused by bacteria.
To better understand why antibiotics don’t always work to treat the flu, it is essential to understand the flu and what causes it. An estimated 90% - 98% of colds, flu and sinusitis are caused by viruses. Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a respiratory illness that is caused by the influenza virus. It typically affects the nose, throat, and lungs and spreads easily from person to person through respiratory droplets. The flu can cause mild to severe illness and, in some cases, lead to hospitalisation or even death, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems.
Antibiotics are medications that target and destroy bacteria, preventing the bacteria from spreading throughout the body. However, the flu is usually caused by a virus, and antibiotics have no effect on viruses. Therefore, antibiotic use to treat the flu is often futile. In some cases, the use of antibiotics in the treatment of the flu can even be dangerous.
When antibiotics are unnecessarily prescribed or taken for viral infections like the flu, several adverse consequences arise. Firstly, this can contribute to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance currently in the country. When antibiotics are taken unnecessarily, the overuse and misuse of antibiotics creates an environment where bacteria can adapt and become resistant to these drugs, rendering them less effective or completely ineffective in treating bacterial infections.
Additionally, taking antibiotics unnecessarily exposes individuals to potential side effects, ranging from mild digestive issues to severe allergic reactions. Furthermore, it can also disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria in the body, leading to conditions such as antibiotic-associated diarrhoea or yeast infections.
Proper management of the flu involves supportive care to alleviate symptoms and allow the body's immune system to fight the viral infection naturally. Common flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and nasal congestion. Getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter medications, like Sinupret, help to relieve the symptoms of the flu. Find out more about Sinupret,
here.
Antibiotics are lifesaving medications for bacterial infections, but they do not treat viral infections like the flu. It is crucial to understand the difference between bacterial and viral illnesses and to use antibiotics correctly. Unnecessary antibiotic use for the flu not only fails to treat the infection, but also contributes to antibiotic resistance, one of the most significant global health challenges of our time. By following appropriate flu management strategies, including vaccination and supportive care, we can help protect ourselves and others from the flu while preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations.
