Some people take them right away when infected, others prefer to do without – antibiotics. Panacea for disease or cause of multi-resistant pathogens? There are many rumors and half-truths about antibiotics. Here are eight myths about antibiotics and what's true and when it's a myth.
With the onset of fall, the high cold and flu season begins again. However, a flu, cold, cough or sore throat are caused by viruses. Since antibiotics only help with bacterial infections, they can't do anything with these diseases. If your doctor advises you to take antibiotics when you have a cold or flu, it's best to ask again. Because the more widespread antibiotics are used for the wrong disease, the more resistance is promoted. Under no circumstances should you insist on antibiotics unless your doctor prescribes them, as it is most likely not a bacterial infection.
That could be right. The effect of the pill may be reduced while taking antibiotics. Because antibiotics have a negative influence on the intestinal flora, this can hinder the absorption of the hormones. This must therefore be clarified with the attending physician if necessary. Condoms offer extra protection to prevent unintentional pregnancy.
Most people feel uncomfortable during an infection and have no appetite for alcohol at all. However, there is no general ban on alcohol while taking antibiotics. A glass of wine or beer is not a problem with most antibiotics. However, there are individual active ingredients that are incompatible with alcohol and, when combined, can cause serious side effects. Anyone in doubt should always consult their doctor or abstain from alcohol during the usually short time of taking the medication.
Many antibiotics work quickly and greatly reduce the number of pathogens, but the bacteria have not yet been completely eradicated. Even if the symptoms have already disappeared. The general rule is to take the antibiotic for as long as the dose prescribed by the doctor. When you feel really healthy again, you should discuss with your doctor whether the therapy can be shortened. Unused leftovers should never be kept at home and taken without a prescription if new symptoms develop. Leftovers should always be thrown away.
The absorption of certain antibiotics can be influenced by milk or dairy products. You will always find a corresponding remark in the package leaflet of the product.
Direct sunlight should also be avoided as the skin can be very sensitive to the use of some antibiotics, especially the commonly used doxycycline.
Unfortunately, the statement is incorrect. People cannot become resistant at all, only the pathogen. Resistant pathogens, in turn, can invade any organism and thus pose a problem for everyone. Antibiotics should in principle be prescribed very carefully to avoid incorrect treatments. Misuse of antibiotics supports the formation of resistant pathogens that no longer respond to antibiotic treatments. It therefore always makes sense to question the necessity of prescribing antibiotics with a doctor. Even if you have been abroad, it is important to tell the doctor, because the resistance situation in different countries in the world is different than in the Netherlands, so you should take this into account when choosing medication.
Be careful. The reason for antibiotic therapy is a bacterial infection that weakens the body. Exercise would put extra strain on the body and delay recovery or even make the disease worse. You can start exercising again two to three days after the last antibiotic intake. But here too you have to take it easy, because shortly after surviving an infection, the body is not immediately in top shape.
This is wrong. The immune system does not always succeed in fighting all pathogens, especially in chronic diseases, the elderly, stress or a serious infection. Antibiotics support the body's defenses by attacking and killing bacteria.
