Know your antibiotics

You’ve heard about antibiotics more times in your life than you can recall, right?

But what are antibiotics and, what can you use them for and most basically, what is the right way to take them?

Did you know that antibiotics do not treat viral infections? So basically they cannot treat cold and flu.

Some key differences between a virus and bacteria are that viruses only have protein coating hence they are only able to reproduce by attaching themselves to a host’s cell. Bacteria are bigger than a virus and can reproduce on their own because of a definite cell wall within an inner membrane which makes antibiotics only effective against bacterial infections.

Antibiotics, like any other medicine, have side effects and when taken incorrectly might harm you.

They are effective in clearing infections and do not act as a painkiller that’s why it is important to only use them when a registered practitioner prescribed them to you.

It is illegal to get antibiotics over the counter according to South African law.

It is always best to use your antibiotics for the prescribed duration as stopping them before the recommended period may lead to resistance – that means the antibiotics are no longer strong enough to treat the infection. Always take the full prescription even if you feel better.

Prevent infections by regularly washing your hands, avoid contact with sick people and keep your vaccination up to date.