Antibiotics are powerful medications that can treat bacterial infections. However, they should only be used when necessary, as overuse can lead to antibiotic resistance.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 50% of antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary. This means that millions of people are taking antibiotics for viral infections or other conditions that do not require them.
If you think you may need antibiotics, it is important to see a doctor to get the correct diagnosis and treatment. Here are four steps you can follow:
1. Make an Appointment
If you are experiencing symptoms of a bacterial infection, such as fever, chills, cough, or sore throat, make an appointment with your doctor. You can call your doctor’s office or use an online scheduling tool.
2. Describe Your Symptoms
When you see the doctor, be sure to describe your symptoms in detail. This will help the doctor determine the cause of your infection and whether or not antibiotics are necessary.
3. Get Tested
The doctor may order tests, such as a blood test or urine test, to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
4. Get a Prescription
If the doctor determines that antibiotics are necessary, they will write you a prescription. Be sure to take the antibiotics exactly as directed.
Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, such as the common cold or flu. Taking antibiotics for a viral infection will not make you feel better and could lead to antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotics should also not be used for minor infections, such as cuts or scrapes. These infections will usually heal on their own without antibiotics.
If you are unsure whether or not you need antibiotics, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine the best course of treatment for your specific condition.
- Only take antibiotics when they are prescribed by a doctor.
- Take antibiotics exactly as directed.
- Do not share antibiotics with others.
- Finish the entire course of antibiotics, even if you feel better.
- Avoid using antibiotics for viral infections or minor infections.
- Antibiotic resistance makes it more difficult to treat bacterial infections.
- Antibiotic resistance can lead to more expensive and longer hospital stays.
- Antibiotic resistance can be fatal.
Table 1: Common Bacterial Infections
| Infection | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Pneumonia | Fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath | Antibiotics |
| Urinary tract infection (UTI) | Burning or pain with urination, increased frequency of urination | Antibiotics |
| Skin infection | Redness, swelling, pain, pus | Antibiotics |
Table 2: Antibiotics for Common Bacterial Infections
| Infection | Antibiotic | Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Pneumonia | Amoxicillin | 500 mg every 8 hours |
| UTI | Ciprofloxacin | 500 mg every 12 hours |
| Skin infection | Erythromycin | 250 mg every 6 hours |
Table 3: Tips for Avoiding Antibiotic Resistance
- Only take antibiotics when they are prescribed by a doctor.
- Take antibiotics exactly as directed.
- Do not share antibiotics with others.
- Finish the entire course of antibiotics, even if you feel better.
- Avoid using antibiotics for viral infections or minor infections.
Table 4: Benefits of Avoiding Antibiotic Resistance
- Antibiotic resistance makes it more difficult to treat bacterial infections.
- Antibiotic resistance can lead to more expensive and longer hospital stays.
- Antibiotic resistance can be fatal.
