DOCSUN computation Medlab Ltd joins the fight against antibiotic resistance which is one of the greatest global health issues and is still a public health threat during the COVID-19 pandemic. CDC experts are closely monitoring the possible effects of COVID-19 on the national state of antibiotic resistance and antibiotic use.

DOCSUN on How Antibiotic Use Varies Across Healthcare Settings

Antibiotics are not effective against COVID-19 because antibiotics do not treat infections caused by viruses. Antibiotics save lives but any time antibiotics are used, they can cause side effects and lead to antibiotic resistance.

• In hospitals, antibiotic use increased for some specific antibiotics like azithromycin and ceftriaxone, which are often used to treat community-onset respiratory infections. This use likely reflects difficulties in distinguishing COVID-19 from community-acquired pneumonia caused by bacteria when patients first arrive for inpatient healthcare.
• In outpatient settings, such as doctor’s offices, antibiotic use has dropped significantly. This is likely because outpatient healthcare use declined during the pandemic. Azithromycin prescribing was higher than expected, especially in geographic areas with high numbers of COVID-19 cases. This might be a reflection of its early promotion as a potential therapy, despite its ineffectiveness against viruses.
• In nursing homes, antibiotic use spiked with changes in the pandemic but remains lower overall compared to pre-pandemic measurements. In nursing home settings, azithromycin prescribing remained elevated through October 2020.

DOCSUN on Antibiotic Do’s & Don’ts

What You Can Do

Smart use of antibiotics is the best care. Here are some steps you can take to use antibiotics appropriately so you can get the best treatment when you’re sick, protect yourself from harms caused by unnecessary antibiotic use, and combat antibiotic resistance.

Take antibiotics ONLY if you need them.

Antibiotics ONLY treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as:

• Strep throat
• Whooping cough
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Antibiotics DO NOT work on viruses, such as those that cause:

• Colds and runny noses, even if the mucus is thick, yellow, or green
• Most sore throats (except strep throat)
• Flu
• Most cases of chest colds (bronchitis)

Antibiotics also ARE NOT needed for some common bacterial infections, including:

• Many sinus infections
• Some ear infections

Taking antibiotics when they’re not needed won’t help you, and their side effects can still cause harm. Your doctor can decide the best treatment for you when you are sick. Never pressure your doctor to prescribe an antibiotic.

Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed if you need them.

If your doctor decides an antibiotic is the best treatment when you are sick:

• Take them exactly as your doctor tells you.
• Do not share your antibiotics with others.
• Do not save them for later. Talk to your pharmacist about safely discarding leftover medicines.
• Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. This may delay the best treatment for you, make you even sicker, or cause side effects.

Talk with your doctor and pharmacist if you have any questions about your antibiotics.

Talk with your doctor if you develop any side effects or allergic reactions while taking an antibiotic.

Common side effects range from minor to very severe health problems and can include:

• Rash
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Yeast infections

More about:

• C. diff infection
• Antibiotic-resistant infections

More serious side effects can include:

• Diarrhea can lead to severe colon damage and death
• Severe and life-threatening allergic reactions
• Antibiotic-resistant infections

If you need antibiotics, the benefits usually outweigh the risks of side effects and antibiotic resistance.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about ways to feel better if an antibiotic isn’t needed.

Antibiotics aren’t always the answer when you are sick. Sometimes, the best treatment when you are sick may be over-the-counter medication. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for tips on how to feel better while your body fights off infection.

 

DOCSUN on How to Stay Healthy and Keep Others Healthy

There are steps you can take to avoid getting yourself and others sick, including:

• Clean your hands.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who have colds or other upper respiratory infections.
• Get recommended vaccines, such as the flu vaccine.

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Original links to the article:- https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/do-and-dont.html