By BobbieJo Paul, FNP, Provider/Health Coach, ATI Active Care
Getting sick is a common part of life, but how many of us really have the time to feel under the weather? It’s hard to take time away from work or school. Because of this, when we get sick, many of us start to ask, “How can I get rid of this infection fast?” This often leads to seeing a health care provider to ask if an antibiotic can help.
There are times when antibiotics are very helpful and needed, but there are also times when we may be given other advice for feeling better. In this case, the antibiotic is not prescribed. This can lead to frustration when we believe that getting an antibiotic will make us feel better.
But there’s a reason why we won’t always get an antibiotic, even when our symptoms may seem similar to something for which we’ve been prescribed an antibiotic in the past. It’s dependent on whether our current infection is caused by a virus or bacteria.
Viruses and bacteria can both cause similar symptoms, such as sore throat, cough, elevated temperature, sinus infection, and ear infection, but a virus cannot be treated with an antibiotic.
Antibiotics will treat an infection that is caused by bacteria that responds to that antibiotic, but they will not treat an infection caused by a virus. Even if we are prescribed an antibiotic to treat a bacterial infection, it is important to know that the job of the antibiotic is to the kill the bacteria making us ill, not treat the symptoms we’re experiencing.
Our bodies respond to the illness by trying to fight the infection, and different symptoms occur because of the type of illness. Because of this, it is very common to have other over the counter medications recommended to treat the symptoms of the illness in addition to the antibiotic.
Viral infections are different though and have a limited time for which they will make us ill. Depending on the virus, an illness could only last 3 days or it could last 2 weeks. But with a virus, even one that lasts 2 weeks, an antibiotic still may not be needed or even help.
In fact, taking an antibiotic when it isn’t needed can potentially cause harm. Some issues with taking unneeded antibiotics include:
- Antibiotic Resistance – This means that the bacteria can change and cause the antibiotic to be ineffective.
- Side Effects – This can include stomach issues, such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
- Antibiotic Sensitivities and Allergies – This can cause harm in the future when that antibiotic is needed to treat a bacterial infection, but no longer can be used due to causing a reaction. Allergies or sensitivities can also lead to needing to use other antibiotics that might have more side effects or might not be the best at fighting the specific bacteria causing the infection.
When we develop symptoms of an illness develop, we need to be aware of how we feel. We also need to stay hydrated and verify that it is okay to start over the counter treatments for our symptoms. If over the counter treatments are okay, we need to pay attention to how we’re responding to the over the counter treatment.
If we’re not sure what to take or need guidance on when to seek medical attention, we should contact our healthcare provide. Understand that when questions about symptoms are asked, they are to get a good picture of the illness for the provider. This helps them determine what’s most likely causing the illness and how to forward with a recommended treatment.