World Antibiotic Awareness Week is observed from 12 to 18 November. Two local doctors give their advice below.
Dr Des@Home
It has been reported by the World Health Organisation that the world is running out of antibiotics, but what does this mean? Antibiotics are used to treat and prevent bacterial infections, but bacteria change in the response to antibiotics when it is misused. These bacteria, not humans or animals, become antibiotic-resistant, making it difficult to treat infections such as pneumonia, TB and foodborne diseases. This leads to higher medical expenses, longer hospital stays and higher mortality rates.
What can individuals do to prevent this?
• Don’t demand antibiotics if your doctor says you don’t need them. • Always follow the instructions carefully and finish the course – sharing is not caring! • Prevent infections by regularly washing your hands and preparing food hygienically. • Cancel the play date if your child is sick and don’t send your sick child to school! Whilst there are some new antibiotics in development, people die every day due to minor injuries or simple infections that become resistant. A global campaign to make people aware of antibiotic-resistance is held with the theme: “Antibiotics – handle with care!”
By Dr Deseré Ferreira. www.drdferreira.co.za.
Dr Moethilalh
Antibiotics are essential in combating bacterial infections. However, they are often abused and used inappropriately and that is where the problem of antibiotic resistance rears its ugly head. Avoid purchasing antibiotics over the counter. Viral infections like flu do not need antibiotics – you need proof of a bacterial infection and then choose an appropriate antibiotic. When treating a bacterial infection, the antibiotic is chosen in a stepwise method, starting with the mildest. Culture and sensitivity testing help to choose the most appropriate antibiotic. Many factors contribute to antibiotic resistance – bacteria undergo mutations as a natural survival strategy and constant research is always in progress to detect resistance patterns. New antibiotics are being developed, but these are limited. Hence, we need to conserve the antibiotics that we do have.
By Dr Moethilalh, 031 902 5440, 083 777 1133 or visit www.drmoethilalh.co.za.