Flu and cold season is happening now! Let’s talk about your cough and the use of antibiotics.
Unnecessary antibiotic use is a direct contributor to antimicrobial resistance, a serious health threat facing Canadians today. It is estimated that 30-50% of written antibiotic prescriptions are completely unecessary. Wide use of antibiotics breeds ‘superbugs’, which become harder, and sometimes impossible, to treat.
Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses. Antibiotics fight infections caused by bacteria, but most respiratory infections are caused by viruses.
Viruses cause:
All colds and flu.
Almost all sinus infections.
Most bronchitis (chest colds).
Most sore throats, especially with a cough, runny nose, hoarse voice, or mouth sores.
Antibiotics have risks, such as;
They upset the body’s natural balance of good and bad bacteria.
Nausea, vomiting, and severe diarrhea.
Vaginal infections.
Nerve damage.
Torn tendons.
Life-threatening allergic reactions
Do not take antibiotics for a bronchitis or sore throat unless advised by a Doctor or Nurse and make sure to get immunized if you can – the pneumonia shot and the flu shot help prevent bacterial bronchitis and pneumonia.
