“The best defense against the flu is to look a Siberian husky straight in the eye for four seconds”. Singing the rancher song with a unicorn head on or cuddling a tree trunk for a nap is also the best solution.
You’ve probably seen something like this on billboards or on social networks in recent days and months: it’s a health ministry campaign warning that betting on these measures is as “ridiculous” as using them. antibiotic.
because?because Antibiotics are drugs that target bacteria, not viruses or any disease. “Antibiotics don’t work for everything,” he recalls through the National Program Against Antibiotic Resistance (PRAN).
“This is a grave mistake, not only because they are absolutely ineffective against viruses but not bacteria, but also because the only thing you can achieve by taking antibiotics when you don’t need them is bacterial resistance, so when you do need them They won’t help you at all,” OCU added.
Consumer and user organizations also warn that “5 cases where antibiotics didn’t work“: When you have the flu or cold, sore throat, acute sinusitis, cough, or high fever.
The message from Health is very similar: “Things are inherently good, and if you use them incorrectly, they can hurt you! Antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria, they don’t treat viruses like the flu or cold, and they don’t treat infections caused by bacteria “They can relieve pain or fever. To make them heal, they should only be used under prescription, whether in humans or animals.”
“If you use them when you’re not supposed to and without medical or veterinary supervision, You will contribute to the development of drug-resistant bacteria”confirm.
Overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics is one of the main causes of the problem, according to PRAN, which in turn poses “one of the most serious threats to public health”, reporting 33,000 deaths from multidrug-resistant bacteria. Europe will generate around 1.5 billion euros in additional healthcare spending each year.
What to do for flu, aches, coughs or fevers, and special situations
As mentioned earlier, antibiotics (such as penicillin and amoxicillin) do not cure infections caused by viruses and are not pain relievers, that is, they do not relieve pain or fever.
this influenza It is an acute viral illness affecting the respiratory tract, caused by influenza virus (which can be type A, B or C), usually lasts about 5 to 7 days and resolves on its own, usually with fever, dry cough, sore throat or Headaches and mucus etc.
Sanida explained that the most effective measure to prevent influenza is to get vaccinated every year. In addition, it is recommended to wash hands frequently, not to share food or daily necessities, to ventilate the room, to drink enough water and fluids, and to rest; antipyretics and analgesics can be taken to relieve fever and pain, if symptoms become complicated (high fever and persistent fever , dyspnea, seizures, arrhythmia…), it is recommended to seek medical treatment and supplement OCU.
for him sore throatFor conditions such as acute pharyngitis, treatment may include pain relievers, fever reducers, fluids, and sweets for relief (it may even go away on its own), and it should clear up within 5 to 7 days. If it is bacterial pharyngitis, it can be treated with antibiotics.
this acute sinusitis (inflammation of the mucous membranes of the sinuses, lasting less than 4 weeks) usually caused by a virus (possibly a bacterial infection) and associated with a cold, and resolves on its own within 7 to 10 days. Symptoms can still be relieved with pain relievers, antihistamines, decongestants and saline nasal washes, the group said.
this cough It usually comes from a viral respiratory infection that lasts about three to four weeks and goes away (you should see your doctor if it lasts longer or if you notice other symptoms, such as fever, breathing problems, or chest pain). However, there are also remedies for discomfort and cough relief, such as gargling with water and salt, drinking honey or infusions.
at last, high fever It usually occurs when your body is fighting an infection and can be a symptom of various diseases. It is recommended to start treating fevers above 38°C, especially for the most vulnerable, starting with rest and drinking plenty of fluids before continuing with medication (eg ibuprofen or aspirin) or seeking medical attention (if well ). Treatment may be different for infants or children than for adults.
Another condition is acute otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear), which can be viral or bacterial, so pain relievers (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) and sometimes antibiotics are needed.