Family Doctor 2008

feeling great ANTIBIOTICS The ﬁght against resistance Antibiotics cannot be used to treat viral infections such as cold and ﬂu. Do you know when an antibiotic can help and when it can’t? Or how to prevent antibiotic resistance? Read on to ﬁnd out more. By Susanna E. Guzman DID YOU KNOW? Widespread antibiotic use and misuse have resulted in development of antibioticresistant bacteria, like MRSA. To minimize further antibiotic resistance, your doctor may prescribe “watchful waiting” to see if your developing symptoms require an antibiotic, rather than prescribing an antibiotic right away. or other people you come into contact with may catch the resistant bacteria that you have. Then these people might also get infections that are hard to treat. How do I know when I need antibiotics? The answer depends on what is causing your infec- tance, it’s important to use them only when you need them, and to follow your doctor’s instructions about how — and how long — to take them. S tion. The following are some an antibiotic. Using antibiotics unnecessarily (for example, when you have a viral illness) also contributes to antibiotic resistance. basic guidelines: Colds and ﬂu. Viruses cause these illnesses. Antibiotics don’t work against any infections caused by viruses. Cough or bronchitis. Viruses almost always cause these. However, if you have a problem with your lungs or an illness that lasts a long time, bacteria may actually be the cause. Your doctor may decide to try using an antibiotic. Sore throat. The majority of sore throats are caused by viruses and don’t require antibiotics. However, strep throat is caused by bacteria. Usually you’ll have a rapid strep throat swab test or a throat culture for strep ince the 1940s, antibiotics have been used to treat infections caused by bacteria. To prevent antibiotic resis- Why should I need to worry about antibiotic resistance? tion can last longer. Instead of getting better, If you take antibiotics that can’t ﬁght the bacteria they are supposed to kill, your infec- What is antibiotic resistance? Antibiotic resistance occurs when the bacteria that make you sick change so antibiotics can’t ﬁght them anymore. This can happen when the bacteria are repeatedly exposed to the same antibiotics or when the bacteria are left in your body after you have been taking 18 familydoctor 2008 it might get worse. You might have to make several visits to your doctor’s ofﬁce. You might have to take different medicines or go to a hospital to get stronger antibiotics given intravenously (through a vein). At the same time, your family members

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Family Doctor 2008

Family Doctor 2008 Foreward Introduction Contents What Do You Want From Health Care? Confident Communication Need a New Doctor? Understanding Your Health Insurance OTC Safety as Simple as 1-2-3 The Fight Against Resistance Drug Interactions Prevention is Better than Cure Hitting a Home Run 'The Herbalist Will See You Now' Healthy Eating to Boost Your Heart and Health Exercise: The Elixir of Life Back from the Brink Taking Control Up All Night Vitamins and Minerals 101 Allergies: Combating the Causes Protect Yourself From Colds and the Flu Diabetes: Assessing Your Risk Dealing with Diabetes The Cholesterol Count Getting a Grip on Hypertension Facts About CKD Banish the Burn Easing the Pain Stop the Pounding Urinary Tract Infections: Common and Preventable Skin Essentials The ABCs of COPD Impotence: Tackling the Old Taboo Taking Responsibility for Your Health Prostate Cancer Screening: Is it For You? Protecting Your Prostate Heart Disease and Women: Know the Risks Birth Control to Suit You Maneuvering Through Menopause Help for PMS Infertility: Problems Having a Baby Preventive Health: What Women Need to Know Pregnancy: Taking Care of You and Your Baby Eating for Two Postpartum Mood Disorders The Basics of Breast Milk Newborn Screening Tests: Possible Lifesavers Common Newborn Conditions Childhood Vaccines: Why They're Necessary Food Allergies: The Facts Facing Your Acne Raising Grades Staying On Your Feet Age Gracefully: Take Care of Your Bones Battling Osteoarthritis Tackling Anxiety Beating the Blues

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