A doctor from the Vysokogorsk Central District Hospital explained why you shouldn’t self-prescribe antibiotics.

      Today we will talk about a very important topic that concerns the health of each of us and our loved ones. We will be discussing antibiotics. We have all taken them at least once in our lives, and many of us have probably thought: “Last time, with the same symptoms, the doctor prescribed an antibiotic and it helped me. Why not buy the same one now and treat myself?” The physician in the medical prevention office of Vysokogorsk Central District Hospital, Rimma Karimova, states: self-prescribing antibiotics is a huge risk that can lead to serious consequences. Let’s look into why this is so dangerous.

      1. Antibiotics work only on bacteria. They are useless against viruses. Bacteria are living single-celled microorganisms that can cause tonsillitis, pneumonia, pyelonephritis, cystitis and many other infections. Viruses are acellular agents that cause acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI), influenza, COVID-19, chickenpox, herpes and about 90% of all “colds.” If you take an antibiotic for a viral infection, you: do not treat the disease itself — an antibiotic has no effect on a virus; harm your body — the drug will destroy not only “bad” but also “good” bacteria that live in our gut, on the skin and mucous membranes and support our immunity; waste time and money — the illness will progress and you will not receive the proper treatment.

      2. An antibiotic is not a “strong” fever medicine. It is a specialized weapon. Many people think: “I took an antibiotic and the fever went down, so it helped.” This is a misconception. Fever, cough, runny nose — these are symptoms. They can be caused by both viruses and bacteria. Fever can be reduced with paracetamol or ibuprofen. An antibiotic should eliminate the cause of the illness — a specific bacterium. Only a doctor can choose the correct antibiotic based on their knowledge and sometimes on test results.

      3. Different antibiotics act on different bacteria. It’s like a key for a lock. Imagine you have a key ring. One key opens your apartment, another your car, a third the safe. Antibiotics are like that key ring. A doctor, like an experienced locksmith, determines by symptoms and tests which “lock” (bacterium) is broken and selects the right “key” (antibiotic). If you try to open your apartment door with the safe key, nothing will work. The same goes for antibiotics: a randomly chosen one simply won’t be effective.

      4. The most frightening threat: antibiotic resistance (bacterial resistance). This is the most serious reason why self-treatment with antibiotics is dangerous for all humanity. What is it? When we take an antibiotic, it kills most bacteria. But the strongest and craftiest may survive. They mutate and pass on resistance to their “descendants.” Next time, that antibiotic will no longer work against those bacteria. What are the consequences? For you personally: you “train” the bacteria in your body to resist the antibiotic. When you actually develop a serious bacterial infection (for example, pneumonia), the standard antibiotic may not help. The illness will be more severe and prolonged, requiring more expensive and toxic drugs, and in the worst case the doctor may have nothing left to treat you with. Incorrect use (incomplete course, too small a dose) is the main accelerator of resistance development.

      5. Antibiotics have side effects. By prescribing a drug for yourself, you do not take into account possible adverse effects: Dysbiosis: the antibiotic kills beneficial intestinal microflora, leading to diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating. Allergic reactions: from rashes to angioedema (Quincke’s edema) and anaphylactic shock, which are life-threatening. Toxic effects on the liver and kidneys. Fungal infections (e.g., thrush), since bacteria that kept fungi in check are destroyed. A doctor is aware of these risks, takes your chronic conditions into account and can prescribe concomitant therapy (for example, probiotics).

      So what should you do if you get sick? See a doctor. Only a specialist can make the correct diagnosis and determine whether you need an antibiotic. If the doctor prescribes an antibiotic, follow the instructions strictly: Observe the dose (no more and no less). Observe the dosing schedule (every 8, 12 or 24 hours). Complete the full course of treatment, even if you feel better on days 2–3! An untreated infection can return with renewed force. Never use “leftover” antibiotics from last time. Do not give your antibiotic to relatives or friends, even if they have similar symptoms. They may need a completely different drug. Antibiotics are one of medicine’s greatest achievements, having saved millions of lives. But they are a powerful weapon that requires proper handling.

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