Learn what they are and what they are useful for.

Antibiotics are a medicines that have been used for the last one hundred years. They have been proven to be efficient, safe ways of controlling numerous common diseases, reducing their frequency and death toll.

A wide-spectrum antibiotic is one which prevents the proliferation of a large number of microorganisms and a low-spectrum antibiotic is one which is more specific and acts on a narrower range of microbes.

Incorrect use of antibiotics can have a negative effect on health. One of these is that some bacteria are capable of developing a ‘shield’ (resistance) against the effects of antibiotics, making these treatments ineffective. This is a public health issue, because it allows diseases to spread and means that our medicines are unable to cure them.

What is the correct way of using antibiotics?

• You must not use them without a doctor’s prescription.
• Use them only for the specific case for which they are prescribed to you. Although you may have similar symptoms, it could be a different illness, which needs to be diagnosed by the doctor.
• Don’t take antibiotics when you have a viral infection. Antibiotics only work for infections caused by bacteria, and so they are ineffective with colds and flu, which are caused by viruses and are not cured with antibiotics.
• Follow the instructions to the letter and take the right dose with the right frequency for the right length of time.
• Even if you feel better, keep taking the treatment until it is complete. If you don’t, you may relapse.
• See your doctor if you notice any side effects of taking the medicine. Some people are allergic to certain antibiotics. This may cause symptoms such as marks or spots on the skin, itching, swelling, nausea or vomiting.
• Increase your intake of fresh foods while you are taking antibiotics. These will give you more vitamins and minerals.
• Boost your diet with yoghurt that will help to restore the flora in your intestine. The use of antibiotics can affect the good bacteria in your digestive tract, leading to diarrhoea, bad breath, a poor appetite, indigestion…

Don't be afraid of antibiotics. We need them to cure a lot of illnesses. However, be sure to take them properly and always under medical supervision.