Antibiotic resistance

It is alarming that several people continue to believe that antibiotics are

beneficial against typical viral diseases like the flu and the common cold. Antibiotic
resistance is a developing issue. One explanation might be that individuals lack
enough knowledge of what antibiotics are and how they are used. Viral infections are
not treatable with antibiotics; only bacterial infections are. Antibiotics won't be
effective against viruses that cause the common cold and the flu. Another factor
might be the widespread conviction that, regardless of the ailment they have, taking
antibiotics will make them feel better faster.
Another factor could be the pressure that patients feel to demand antibiotics
from their doctors when they are sick with the cold or flu, as well as the pressure that
doctors feel to administer antibiotics in response to patient demand. It's crucial to
remember that improper or excessive use of antibiotics might result in antibiotic
resistance, which can make it more challenging to treat bacterial infections in the
future. It is essential to inform the public about the proper use of antibiotics and the
significance of refraining from asking for medicines for viral illnesses to address this
issue.
Finally, this notion might be reinforced by the healthcare system itself.
Sometimes medical professionals would provide patients with viral infections
antibiotic prescriptions in order to quell complaints or placate patients who are
clamouring for them. This can help spread the myth that viral illnesses can be
treated with drugs and worsen the problem of antibiotic resistance.
It is crucial to inform the public on the safe use of antibiotics, the distinction
between bacterial and viral infections, and the dangers of antibiotic resistance in
order to solve this issue. It is important for healthcare professionals to have training
on how to handle patient requests for antibiotics as well as public education.
Furthermore, accurate information on antibiotics and their proper usage should be
promoted by the media.