Antibiotics have transformed modern medicine, treating everything from urinary tract and ear infections to strep throat, and saving us from a world of hurt. But for these powerful medications to work their magic and protect your health, and the health of others, it’s essential to take them exactly as prescribed and finish every dose.
What are antibiotics?
Bacteria are a fact of life – and everybody has them. Some are beneficial to your health, like those found on your skin or in your gut. But others can cause infections that make you sick.
That’s where antibiotics come in. These mighty medicines kill bacteria or make it hard for them to grow and multiply, giving your body’s immune system a chance to fight off the infection.
What conditions do antibiotics treat?
Antibiotics treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Respiratory and throat infections, such as bacterial pneumonia, strep throat, and whooping cough.
- Urinary tract and reproductive system infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), bacterial vaginosis, and certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Skin and soft tissue infections, such as cellulitis, impetigo, staph infection, and infections from animal or human bites.
- Eye infections, such as pink eye (when caused by bacteria) and orbital cellulitis.
- Other conditions, such as Lyme disease, sepsis caused by a bacterial infection, and endocarditis.
There are some gray areas when it comes to prescribing antibiotics. Not every illness is clearly bacterial or viral, and symptoms can sometimes overlap. For example, sinus infections, ear infections, and bronchitis can be caused by either bacteria or viruses. In these cases, a health care clinician will need to evaluate your symptoms, review your medical history, or run a quick test to determine if antibiotics are appropriate.
Sometimes, a provider might hold off on prescribing antibiotics to see if symptoms improve on their own. In other cases, antibiotics may be prescribed immediately if there are signs the infection is bacterial or if there’s a risk that it might become more serious.
Bottom line? Antibiotics should be used only when they are truly needed. This helps ensure the medication will work when you really need it – and helps protect everyone else from antibiotic resistance down the road.
Why can’t I take antibiotics for a viral infection?
Bacteria and viruses are two very different microorganisms and don’t share any of the same structures or characteristics. For that reason, antibiotics – which are designed to kill or stop the growth of bacteria – simply don’t work on viruses.
Viral infections include illnesses like colds, flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, and most sore throats. These infections usually clear up on their own with rest, time, and home remedies to ease symptoms. Taking antibiotics when they aren’t needed won’t help you recover faster, and they can cause more harm than good by killing the bacteria in your body that help keep you healthy.
If you’re not sure whether your illness is viral or bacterial, a quick visit to Indigo Urgent Care can get you the answers you need – and the right treatment to get you back on track.
Can I stop taking antibiotics when I feel better?
It can be tempting to stop taking antibiotics once you start to feel better, but finishing the full course is important. Even if your symptoms improve, some bacteria may remain in your body.
If you stop taking your antibiotic early or don’t take it as prescribed, you run the risk that:
- The infection may return, sometimes stronger than before.
- Bacteria may develop resistance to the antibiotic, making future infections harder to treat.
- Your symptoms may persist or worsen, delaying your recovery.
- The antibiotic may not fully clear the infection, putting your health at risk.
- You could spread bacteria to others, increasing the chance of resistant infections in your community.
If you’re experiencing side effects while taking antibiotics or have concerns about your medication, don’t stop on your own – talk to your health care provider first. They can adjust your treatment if needed or provide tips to make it easier to complete your course safely and comfortably.
What is antibiotic resistance?
When taken as directed, antibiotics can be lifesaving. But using them when they’re not needed can contribute to a growing global health issue known as antibiotic resistance, which makes it harder to treat infections that were once easily cured.
Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria change in ways that make them no longer respond to antibiotics. The infections these bacteria cause – such as MRSA and drug-resistant tuberculosis – can be difficult to treat and, in some cases, life-threatening.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), antibiotic-resistant infections affect at least 2.8 million people in the U.S. each year and cause more than 35,000 deaths.
Anyone can develop an antibiotic-resistant infection, but some people are at higher risk, including:
- People with weakened immune systems.
- Hospital patients.
- Infants and older adults.
- Those who take antibiotics for long periods of time.
Antibiotic resistance can happen naturally, but there are ways to slow its spread:
- Don’t take antibiotics for viral infections, such as colds or flu – and trust your health care provider when they tell you they’re not necessary.
- When prescribed an antibiotic, follow the dosage and schedule carefully.
- Never share antibiotics or use leftovers from a previous illness.
- Help prevent the spread of bacterial infections by practicing good hygiene – wash your hands often and cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
Questions, concerns, or feeling under the weather? Indigo has you covered
If you think you may have a bacterial infection or common virus, have questions about antibiotics, or need care for a recurring issue like a UTI, Indigo Urgent Care makes it easy to get the answers and treatment you need.
Our team can help you:
- Determine if antibiotics are necessary.
- Manage any side effects or concerns while taking medications.
- Provide a quick diagnosis and timely treatment, especially if you’ve had recurrent UTIs.
- Protect your health and prevent infections from spreading
Indigo is a better way to get care that’s fast, easy, and centered on you. Whether in person at one of our neighborhood locations or online through virtual visits, our experienced team of friendly clinicians offers the care you need, when you need it.
