Overuse of Antibiotics

It’s true that when we get sick, most of us are looking for the wonder drug that will provide instant relief. In this cold and flu season, we will make our treks to the doctor when that respiratory illness strikes, hoping for the magical answer to make you all better before your 8 am meeting at work or your night out on the town with friends.

Unfortunately, most respiratory infections are caused by a virus, and therefore undaunted by whatever antibiotic you throw at it. Antibiotics can only treat those illnesses caused by bacteria and there is no clear way to determine whether your problem is viral or bacterial.

Why then, you may ask, does my doctor prescribe an antibiotic every time I go see him/her with this problem? In the past, doctors prescribed antibiotics on the off chance the problem were bacterial. This was also used as an innocuous practice. So even if your illness were viral, the antibiotic would keep you from getting a secondary bacterial infection.

The problem with taking an antibiotic every time you’re sick is, your body eventually builds up a resistance. This means harmful bacteria adapt to the antibiotic and become immune to the effects of the medication. It then becomes difficult to get rid of your bacterial illness without hopping around from antibiotic to antibiotic to figure out which one can outsmart the little bugger.

Try some homeopathic remedies to help you get through your illness without antibiotics. Echinacea is an herbal supplement shown to reduce the risk and length of symptoms of colds and flu. Also, a daily colostrum supplement can give your immune system a boost to keep you from getting sick in the first place.

If you don’t feel well for more than 3-5 days, or if you experience a high fever you should definitely consult your physician. These may be signs of a more serious condition.