The Guide to Taking Antibiotics!

Using antibiotics wisely is important for your health. Follow these steps to ensure you use antibiotics the right way when you're sick. This will help you get better treatment, avoid problems from using antibiotics when you don't need them, and fight against antibiotic resistance! Follow along for some interactive questions to test your knowledge.

What kinds of infections are antibiotics used for?

• Fungal
• Viral
• Bacterial

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Bacterial: Antibiotics are ineffective in treating fungal and viral infections. They function by breaking down bacteria's cell walls and stopping their growth. Because viruses don't have cell walls, antibiotics can't work against them. Antibiotics also only work on prokaryotes, so fungi (which are eukaryotes) would be unaffected.

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What are examples of bacterial infections?

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTI's)
• Influenza (Flu)
• Pneumonia
• Strep Throat

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Strep throat, UTIs, and Pneumonia (sometimes): Though fungal and viral infections can sometimes appear similar to bacterial infections, antibiotics can only treat bacterial infections. Out of this list, strep throat is the only certain answer. UTIs and pneumonia often are bacterial, which would require antibiotics, but sometimes UTIs can be fungal, and pneumonia can be fungal or viral! It is extremely important to only take antibiotics when it is a true bacterial infection. There are also different antibiotics that would work best for different illnesses. Taking old antibiotics may not be effective in treating a new bacterial infection.

Below is a diagram from the CDC that highlights some examples of respiratory infections and if antibiotics are required. (Click to expand)

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How long should you take antibiotics for?

• Until symptoms improve
• Until the full course is finished

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Until the course is finished: It is imperative to finish the full course of antibiotics as prescribed. Most people feel better before the antibiotic course is completed, but that doesn't mean all of the infection is gone. Not completing a full course can cause regrowth and resistance.

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How should I take my antibiotics?

• At the same time everyday
• Whenever I remember

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At the same time every day: By taking antibiotics at the same time and not skipping doses ensures that there is a consistent amount of antibiotics in the bloodstream, allowing for it to work effectively and prevent resistance.

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What are ways to prevent antibiotic resistance and the spreading of illness?

• Handwashing
• Staying home when sick
• Taking prophylactic antibiotics
• Taking antibiotics only when needed

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Handwashing, staying home when sick, and taking antibiotics only when needed: The easiest ways to prevent the spread of illness are to wash your hands and stay home when sick. Antibiotics are needed to treat bacterial infections, but taking them when not needed can cause antibiotic resistance.

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In summary, here are things to note!

• Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

• Complete the full course of antibiotics even if you start feeling better.

• Take antibiotics at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in your bloodstream.

• Don't skip doses or stop taking antibiotics early without consulting your healthcare provider.

• Don't save antibiotics for later or use leftover antibiotics from a previous illness.

• Don't take antibiotics for viral infections, such as colds or the flu, unless specifically prescribed by your healthcare provider.

• Don't take antibiotics unnecessarily, as this can contribute to antibiotic resistance.

If you are ever unsure about if you need to take antibiotics and how, please contact a health provider.