What Are Antibiotics?
Antibiotics can kill bacteria or slow their ability to multiply. The first antibiotics discovered were natural products of molds and other organisms. Infections that once killed could finally be cured and came to be considered minor and treatable. Newer, laboratory-synthesized drugs have joined the ranks of antibiotics effective against a wide variety of bacteria.
What Are Bacteria?
Bacteria are microscopic organisms found throughout nature. They can live inside or outside the human body; some are even beneficial and necessary for good health. Others, however, are "pathogenic" and they cause infection and illness. These bacteria are responsible for a whole host of human respiratory infections, including some sinus and ear infections, certain kinds of pneumonia and strep throat.
What Are Viruses?
Viruses are even tinier than bacteria. When you get a viral infection, viruses invade your body's cells, using your cells' machinery to help make more and more viruses. These viruses are responsible for the flu, the common cold and many types of sore throats, coughs, ear infections, bronchitis and even pneumonia. Unlike bacteria, viruses are not killed by antibiotics.
Why Can't I Take an Antibiotic "Just in Case"?
There are big problems with the cavalier use of antibiotics. When bacteria are exposed to an antibiotic, while many are killed, subsequent generations of others may develop characteristics that allow them to resist being killed. While the antibiotic kills off the weakest bacteria, antibiotic resistance allows the stronger, resistant bacteria to continue multiplying. The eventual result can be "superbugs," which are very hard to kill and may only succumb to extremely powerful antibiotics. Such antibiotics pose a greater risk of significant side effects that may require hospitalization and are much more costly. Some superbugs go on to cause devastating and even fatal infections that are incurable with current antibiotics.
How Can I Tell if My Symptoms are Due to a Virus or a Bacteria?
This distinction can be tricky. That's why it's worth a visit to your doctor. A few pointers:
- Most virally caused colds and other upper respiratory infections will produce a wide variety of symptoms, such as a sore throat, sniffles, cough and achiness.
- Bacterial infections often cause a more focused area of misery, such as a severely painful ear or an extremely sore throat.
- Some of the signs (like thick, green mucus) used to be thought of or suggested the presence of a bacterial infection, but this is no longer believed to be accurate.
- Viruses usually leave within a week. Illnesses that last more than 10 days or that grow suddenly worse after 5 to 7 days may have evolved into a bacterial infection.
How Can I Help Prevent Superbugs?
Practice good hand washing to avoid becoming ill or passing an illness on to others.
Get a yearly flu vaccination.
If you become ill, talk with your doctor about whether your illness is more likely from a virus or bacteria. Don't insist on an antibiotic; ask your doctor why you do or do not need one.
If you do need an antibiotic, make sure you take it as directed; don't stop the medicine just because you begin to feel better. Not taking the entire prescription may allow resistant bacteria to thrive and not be completely killed off. Remember: Don't ever take someone else's antibiotic, and don't give yours to anyone else either. Prescription medications are never meant to be shared.
Sources: About.com
