BY Kym Selig CMA (AAMA), RN, MS - Medical Assistant Program Coordinator, Green Bay
It’s that time of year again…
Not every cough, flu or cold needs to be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics are used for the treatment of bacterial infections. The common cold is caused by a virus and antibiotics have no effect on viruses. Consumers’ overuse of antibiotics has serious effects, such as creating resistant strains of bacteria—and according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), antibiotic resistance is one of the worlds’ most pressing public health problems. In addition, taking antibiotics when you don’t need will not help you feel better sooner plus you risk the possible side effects of the medication.
What can you do?
· Do not expect or demand an antibiotic for what is diagnosed as a virus
· If you are prescribed antibiotics, take the full dose for the length of time prescribed—even if you begin to feel better
· Do not save antibiotic for the “next time”
· Do not self-diagnose the need for antibiotic and take anybody else’s leftover prescription