“Not only is flu season approaching, staying indoors because of the cold weather gives germs the opportunity to spread around and affect more people,” said Daniel Regenye, Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) Public Health Coordinator. “Many people either ask or call their physician for a prescription for antibiotics, but we know that this, most certainly, may not be the answer.’
Antibiotics do not fight infections caused by viruses like colds, flu, most sore throats, bronchitis, and many sinus and ear infections. Instead, symptom relief might be the best treatment option for viral infections.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have started a “Get Smart About Antibiotics” campaign, and want people to know about when antibiotics are needed—to fight bacterial infections. When you use antibiotics appropriately, you do the best for your health, your family’s health, and the health of those around you.
Taking antibiotics for viral infections, such as colds, flu, most sore throats, bronchitis, and many sinus or ear infections:
- Will not cure the infection
- Will not keep other people from getting sick
- Will not help you or your child feel better
- May cause unnecessary and harmful side effects
- May contribute to antibiotic resistance, which is when bacteria are able to resist the effects of an antibiotic and continue to cause harm
“Rest, fluids, and over-the-counter products may be your or your child’s best treatment option against viral infections,” Regenye added, “Remember that hand washing is the single most important method to fight the spread of flu and colds. Make sure you cover your coughs and sneezes and stay home when you are sick and stay away from sick people.”
Regenye continued, “There are potential risks when taking any prescription drug. Unneeded antibiotics may lead to harmful side effects and future antibiotic-resistant infections. When visiting your doctor with a cold or flu-like symptoms and your doctor does not give you an antibiotic, it does not mean you are not sick. Your doctor may realize it is a viral infection. Take the time to talk to your health care professional about the best treatment for you or your child and why.”
To feel better when you or your child has a viral infection:
- Ask your healthcare professional about over-the-counter treatment options that may help reduce symptoms.
- Drink more fluids.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Use a cool-mist vaporizer or saline nasal spray to relieve congestion.
- Soothe your throat with crushed ice, sore throat spray, or lozenges. (Do not give lozenges to young children.)
- If you are diagnosed with the flu, there are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat flu illness. As they are a prescription drug, ask your primary care physician if you should be taking this.
Regenye continued, “If your doctor chooses not to give you or your child an antibiotic, ask why. Remember, you should not take an antibiotic for a viral infection and both flu and colds are viruses. And don’t take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. Taking the wrong medicine may delay correct treatment of your illness and also allow bacteria to grow.”
“If your doctor does prescribe an antibiotic, make sure you take it per instructions, do not skip doses, take the entire prescription unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so and DO NOT SAVE any of the antibiotics for the next time you or your child get sick.
Remember….wash your hands with soap and water, cover your coughs and sneezes and stay home when you are sick!
[TLS]