On the threshold of a new epidemiological season, the Ministry of Health of Ukraine (MOH) reminds us of the danger of uncontrolled use of antibiotics. The common practice of using antibacterial drugs at the first symptoms of a cold or flu is harmful to the body and can have serious consequences for public health. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, so their use in viral diseases such as influenza or SARS is useless and even harmful.
Why do antibiotics not help with viral diseases?
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that most of the causative agents of seasonal respiratory diseases are viral, and antibiotics are effective only against bacteria. The cases when antibiotics are necessary are related to bacterial infections, and their prescription should be justified and based on the results of the examination. The unnecessary use of antibacterial drugs leads to an increase in antimicrobial resistance, when infections become insensitive to standard drugs.
Antimicrobial resistance is a serious threat to modern medicine because it leads to situations where infections are difficult to treat. The problem is global, but for Ukraine, which is in a difficult economic and medical condition due to the war, the overuse of antibiotics complicates the situation even more.
The main negative consequences of the irrational use of antibiotics
- Development of antimicrobial resistance. Due to constant exposure to antibiotics, bacteria adapt to them, which makes further treatment much less effective. In such cases, more expensive and stronger drugs have to be used to fight infections, which can also have serious side effects.
- Adverse reactions. Improper use of antibiotics can cause allergic reactions, impaired kidney and liver function, gastrointestinal disorders and other complications that can worsen the general state of health.
- Imbalance of microflora. Antibiotics can disturb the balance of beneficial bacteria in the intestine, which leads to dysbacteriosis. This weakens immunity, increases the risk of digestive disorders and the development of infections related to Clostridium difficile, which cause serious intestinal diseases that can be accompanied by abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.
Antibiotics should be prescribed only by doctors
The Ministry of Health urges Ukrainians not to take antibiotics without a doctor's prescription. The decision to use antibiotics should be based on a clinical examination and the results of laboratory tests confirming the bacterial nature of the infection. Self-treatment with antibiotics without confirmation of a bacterial infection is a mistake that only worsens health and contributes to the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
Statistics and experience of other countries
According to studies in the US from 2016 to 2018, 43% to 56% of patients received antibiotics for bacterial infections, and 7% to 66% for viral diseases, which is unacceptable. This experience shows that this practice is not unique to Ukraine, but its consequences require serious attention, because the irrational use of antibiotics creates a global problem.
How to take antibiotics correctly: recommendations of the Ministry of Health
- Appointment only by a doctor. Take antibiotics only as prescribed by a qualified doctor who will conduct the necessary examination.
- Complete the course of treatment. Even if you feel improvement, it is necessary to complete the course to avoid the development of resistant strains of bacteria.
- Do not store antibiotics for the future. If there are unused drugs, do not use them yourself without consulting a doctor.
