Treating the Antibiotic Cough and Cold Myth

Myth. Yes. It is a MYTH that antibiotics can treat most coughs and colds. They can't, because both coughs are colds are bodies fighting, and trying to destroy the viruses causing infection in the respiratory tract.   Self Medication This is the reason why people use the leftover antibiotics from a previously recommended course of medicine, and take them without any medical consultation. This may, in fact, worsen the problem by delaying the proper treatment of illnesses that require a different course of medication. Misusing Antibiotics A faulty understanding of how the human body works, as well the real cause of coughing and other respiratory problems, and problems for which a bacteria (and not a virus) might be to blame. Misusing them might also create a new strain of untreatable infections by enabling drug resistance. According to the The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, antimicrobial resistance "is one of the most serious public health..in the EU", killing 25,000 Europeans every year. Heavy usage of antibiotics could also lead to antibiotic-related diarrhea, a dangerous condition when the human body is rapidly losing fluids. Misusing them might also create a new strain of untreatable infections by enabling drug resistance. According to the The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, antimicrobial resistance "is one of the most serious public health..in the EU" Heavy usage of antibiotics could also lead to antibiotic-related diarrhea, a dangerous condition when the human body is rapidly losing fluids. Signs and Treatment Facts Antibiotics will not increase the recovery rate of most coughs and colds. Do not take them unless your physician prescribes them. Do not panic when you see yellow phlegm - you still do not need antibiotics. In fact, a runny -nose-sore-throat combination (with phlegm) means that antibiotics might not be an effective. You might, however need an antibiotic when you're running a high temperature, red throat and feeling ill Other Precautions Do not keep leftover doses - even if you've gotten well, finish the entire prescribed course of medication. If you do have medications from your last bout of illness, ask your doctor what to do with it, or take it only when it is prescribed.

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Aish - The Fairy Princess

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