They are not effective against viral infections, such as the common cold or flu. Learn why antibiotics are no longer routinely used to treat infections. Antibiotics may also be recommended for people who are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of infection. This may include:. Antibiotics are sometimes given as a precaution to prevent, rather than treat, an infection.
Often when you're sick with a cold, you just want to feel better as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, the only option may be to ride out the symptoms or use over the counter medications that target specific symptoms for improvement.
That's little consolation when a stuffed nose or cough is keeping you awake at night, but there is good reason explains Dr. Barry Fox, an infectious disease specialist at UW Health. Fox, who is the medical director for Antibiotic Stewardship for the State of Wisconsin, and UW faculty member, explains that when antibiotics aren't needed, they won't help — and the side effects could hurt more than just you. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a growing problem, and one with lethal consequences.
Each year in the U. Reactions to antibiotics are also responsible for 1 out of 5 medication-related visits to the emergency department. Some of those at high risk for infections include patients undergoing surgery, patients with end-stage kidney disease, or patients receiving cancer therapy chemotherapy.
Antibiotics do not work on viruses, such as those that cause colds, flu, bronchitis, or runny noses, even if the mucus is thick, yellow, or green.
Antibiotics are only needed for treating certain infections caused by bacteria, but even some bacterial infections get better without antibiotics. Antibiotics can save lives, and when a patient needs antibiotics, the benefits usually outweigh the risks of side effects and antibiotic resistance. Common side effects of antibiotics can include:. More serious side effects include Clostridioides difficile infection also called C. There's an increased risk of side effects if you take 2 doses closer together than recommended.
Accidentally taking 1 extra dose of your antibiotic is unlikely to cause you any serious harm. But it will increase your chances of getting side effects, such as pain in your stomach, diarrhoea, and feeling or being sick. If you accidentally take more than 1 extra dose of your antibiotic, are worried or you get severe side effects, speak to your GP or call NHS as soon as possible. As with any medicine, antibiotics can cause side effects.
Most antibiotics do not cause problems if they're used properly and serious side effects are rare. Some people may have an allergic reaction to antibiotics, especially penicillin and a type called cephalosporins. In very rare cases, this can lead to a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis , which is a medical emergency.
Read more about the side effects of antibiotics. Some antibiotics are not suitable for people with certain medical problems, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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