Some diseases heal on their own, don’t make the mistake of taking antibiotics

Antibiotics work only against bacteria, not against viruses.

Many people turn to antibiotics only when they have a cold or a sore throat. Azithromycin in particular has become a kind of 'safety insurance'. But is this habit posing a big danger to our future? According to kidney specialist Dr. Arjun Sabharwal, antibiotics do not work on viral infections.

Dr. Sabharwal said, stop taking azithromycin unnecessarily for sore throats or colds. Science clearly says that antibiotics do not work on viral infections. Usually, the body recovers on its own within 3 to 5 days. But we do not give the body a chance to fight. His statement has brought up an old but important question about the misuse of antibiotics.

Most sore throats are viral

Dr. Amit Saraf said that about 80-90 percent of upper respiratory infections in outpatients are viral. These include rhinovirus, influenza, RSV and seasonal flu.

Giving antibiotics for such illnesses

does not shorten the duration of the illness

Does not cure the symptoms quickly

Does not reduce the risk of complications

Because antibiotics work only against bacteria, not against viruses.

Dr. Saraf says that there is a kind of psychological relief behind this. Many patients think that taking medicine is safe. Sometimes doctors also feel pressured. But in modern medicine, the goal is now to give only what is needed. Nothing unnecessary.

What happens if you take unnecessary antibiotics

Antibiotics are never completely safe. Unnecessary antibiotics can cause various problems. These are:

Diarrhea
Allergies
Damage to good bacteria in the intestine
Stress on the kidneys or liver
The biggest danger is antibiotic resistance.
As a result, in the future, if a real bacterial infection occurs, common antibiotics may no longer work, which can even be life-threatening.

What to do in case of a viral infection

Viral infections usually resolve on their own within 3-5 days. During this time, you need—
Adequate rest
Drink plenty of water
Medicines to reduce fever or pain
Supportive treatment according to symptoms
If you give the body time, the immune system will work on its own.
Antibiotics are not an option, nor are they a 'fallback option'. The wisest thing to do is to rely on a correct diagnosis, manage the symptoms, and not take antibiotics unnecessarily. It is important to understand the reality now that if you are not aware today, the medicine may not work tomorrow during a real infection.

Source: Indian Express