At every turn you see someone coughing, sniffling, or maybe a combination of both. It’s cold season. Having a cold makes you feel exhausted, achy, people won’t touch you with a ten foot pole and you’re probably not looking your absolute best. We all want the common cold symptoms to go away as quickly as possible and often, that means heading to the doctors and pleading with them for a prescription.
There’s a few reasons why asking for an antibiotic right away shouldn’t be done. Antibiotics cannot cure a cold because it’s categorized as a virus, antibiotics treat bacterial infections. When antibiotics taken unnecessarily, can even cause your body harm. (Ratini) For instance, if you’ve taken antibiotics for something that isn’t a bacteria-related illness, it can “lead to the growth of several strains of common bacteria that are now antibiotic-resistant” (Ratini). Some examples of bacteria-related illnesses include the following, “bronchitis, pneumonia, strep throat, bacterial ear infection, and pink eye” (Ratini). Make sure you check out your symptoms with a health care provider as these bacterial infections may require an antibiotic.
The CDC (Center for Disease Control) has stated that antibiotic resistance has become a major public health problem. “When bacteria are repeatedly exposed to antibiotics, for example when you take an antibiotic for common colds or take them too frequently, the germs in your body change” (Ratini). This in turn, results in your body repelling the antibiotic. Afterwards your symptoms may continue without indication that you’re on the road to recovery. At this point, your illness could become worse, in which case you would need to visit the emergency room, potentially be admitted to the hospital and receive antibiotics via IV. (Ratini)
So, collegiettes, the next time you feel your throat become sore or the uncontrollable sneezing begins, get your tissues ready. Let your immune system do it’s job and let the cold take it’s course. Do everything your mom told you to do, get lots of rest, drink a lot of fluids, wash your hands and do everyone else a favour and stay home from school or work, (if you can)!
Sources:
Ratini, Melinda . “Antibiotics and Colds.” Cold, Flu, & Cough Health Center. WebMD, 08 Jun 2012. Web. 17 Feb 2014. <http://www.pinterest.com/pin/96123773267146139/