Antibiotics have saved millions of lives since they were introduced in the 1940s, but over-prescription and our over-consumption is leading to the development of bacteria resistant to medicines that worked in the past.
This means treating infections and illnesses requires ever bigger doses of more potent and expensive antibiotics with greater potential side-effects. And in these tough economic times, there are fewer new drugs in the pipeline because of dwindling financial investment in antibiotic research, says Dr Kuven Naidu, a specialist physician based in Johannesburg.
This threatens to leave us unprotected in the future, vulnerable again to everything from strep throats to TB, unable to survive anything from a Caesarian section to a hip replacement, in what England’s chief medical officer warned in October 2017 will be a “post-antibiotic apocalypse, the end of modern medicine” – unless we all take action now.
1. Take antibiotics only for bacterial infections
Infections have three causes: bacteria, viruses and fungi. Antibiotics are effective only against bacteria. Asking your doctor to prescribe them for other infections, including the common cold (which is viral), will not help – it will simply raise your resistance to antibiotics when you have a bacterial infection and genuinely need them. The only exception may be if you are run down and therefore vulnerable to bacterial infection on top of the viral infection, says pharmacist Waheed Abdurahman, Clicks head of pharmacy.
2. Explore other options for other infections
Viral and fungal infections can be treated with anti-viral and antifungal medications, says Abdurahman. Symptomatic relief and rest can keep you more comfortable while your body heals itself. Ask your pharmacist about OTC medications and home remedies, such as gargles and throat lozenges for a sore throat, and saline drops for a blocked nose.
3. Take antibiotics exactly as directed
If you are prescribed antibiotics, check whether they should be taken before or after meals, or if you need to avoid some foods (dairy products may affect absorption of tetracyclines, Abdurahman says). Also check if they should be stored in the fridge or at room temperature. And most importantly, always complete the course. Otherwise the strongest bad bacteria will survive, reproduce, and evolve into drug-resistant superbugs.
4. Never use leftovers
There shouldn’t be any if you complete your course. And if other people offer you theirs, these are unlikely to be the right type or strength for your condition, and may not kill the bacteria, again encouraging the evolution of superbugs.
5. Take probiotics
Speak to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about them whenever you are prescribed antibiotics. Most antibiotics kill some good bacteria along with the bad, particularly in the gut. Probiotics can help recolonise it with good bacteria that aid digestion and ward off yeast and fungal infections.
6. Take steps to prevent infection
Wash your hands often, with ordinary soap and water. Check that your vaccinations are up to date and get an annual flu shot (enquire at your Clicks pharmacy). And boost your immune system with regular exercise, enough sleep, a wholesome, balanced diet and plenty of water. Also ask your pharmacist about taking vitamin C and zinc at the first signs of a cold, suggests Abdurahman.
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Also read: Why allergic reactions are on the rise
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