What to do
- Simple medications like anti-allergy and painkillers work. They can help you feel better
- If your doctor did not give antibiotics, this doesn’t mean you are not sick
- Drink plenty of fluids and have enough rest
- Soothe your throat with salt-water gargles, mouth wash, and lozenges
- Significant dry cough may be alleviated with a simple cough syrup.
What not to do
- Do not demand antibiotics when your doctor says they are not needed
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- Do not take antibiotics for viral infections. This is even more so for your young child
- Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. The treatment may not be right for your illness
- Inappropriate use of antibiotics can also cause severe allergy and even be fatal.
Public can help to reduce antibiotic resistance by preventing misuse as follows
In spite of recent growing awareness of antibiotic resistance, misuse and over use still continues for number of reasons. Many hospitals and medical associations have implemented new diagnostic and |
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- treatment guidelines to reduce inappropriate use of antibiotics. However, public awareness can help significantly
- Only your doctor can decide on the prescription of antibiotics
- When you are prescribed antibiotics, do not stop or skip doses. Take the appropriate daily dosage and complete entire course
- Ask your doctor if you have any related issues/concerns
- Never keep leftover antibiotics for a later illness. They may not be correct for your illness
- Store the medication as per instruction from the pharmacist. Once you open a bottle of antibiotics (for a child) store it in the refrigerator and use it within the prescribed time period.
What you need to know
Antibiotic misuse
Often prescribed when they are not needed, continued when they are no longer necessary, given at wrong doses, a broad spectrum antibiotics is used to treat very susceptible bacteria and the wrong antibiotic is given to treat an infection.
Remember
Most common infections do not need antibiotics-they get better with symptomatic care and the body takes care of the rest. If your doctor decides you need an antibiotic, make sure you take it exactly as prescribed. Regular hand washing will help keep you healthy and prevent the spread of bacteria. If you have young children make sure they are up to date with their childhood immunisations.
Antibiotics and diabetes
Recent studies have indicated that frequent and long-term use of antibiotics may predispose some to chronic medical conditions, including diabetes and obesity.
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