Dangers of Taking Antibiotics for Cold and Flu

Very few people are aware that runny noses, colds, flu, acute bronchitis are caused by viruses and not bacteria as is generally believed. Also very few are aware that antibiotics do not have any effect on viruses. Antibiotics can only kill bacteria when properly prescribed. Taking antibiotics inappropriately increases the risk of antibiotic resistance as well has harmful side effects. At present antibiotic resistance has become one of the world's pressing public health problems. Increasingly bacteria are becoming resistant to many antibiotics and and the pharmaceutical industry is unable to keep pace with the development of new antibiotics. Many doctors especially in poor countries watch helplessly as their patients die because of antibiotic resistance.

Parents unwittingly demand that their children suffering from a cold, flu or acute bronchitis be given antibiotics. They should listen to the health care providers who advice against the use of antibiotics for viral ailments. Even when antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial infections they should be taken with care. Patients should take utmost care that doses are not skipped and the course should completed fully within the time prescribed. Many people have the tendency to discontinue antibiotics when they get some relief and store them for use next time they get sick. This increases the risk of antibiotic resistance. People also should avoid taking antibiotics prescribed for someone else as they may not be appropriate and may lead to other unnecessary and avoidable health problems.