When you feel unwell, finding relief quickly is understandable. You might remember an antibiotic that helped during a previous illness and consider taking it again or using tablets left over from an earlier prescription.
However, antibiotics are not suitable for every infection, and taking them without appropriate medical guidance can create unnecessary risks.
Antibiotics do not treat everything
Antibiotics treat certain bacterial infections. They do not work against viruses that cause illnesses such as the common cold and flu.
Taking an antibiotic when it is not needed will not make a viral illness go away faster. It can still expose you to side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop the ability to survive medicines that previously killed them or stopped their growth. This can make infections harder to treat.
Common mistakes to avoid
Using leftover medication: An antibiotic prescribed for an earlier illness may be unsuitable for your current symptoms.
Sharing prescriptions: Medication that is appropriate for one person may not be safe or effective for another.
Buying antibiotics without proper assessment: Similar symptoms can have different causes, and the right treatment depends on identifying the likely infection.
Changing your treatment yourself: Do not change the dose, duration, or schedule without guidance from the prescribing healthcare professional.
What should you do instead?
If you suspect an infection, seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional who can assess your symptoms and determine whether antibiotics are necessary.
If antibiotics are prescribed, follow the specific instructions you receive. Ask your pharmacist or prescriber if you are unsure how to take them, experience concerning side effects, or have difficulty following the treatment plan.
You should not keep unused antibiotics for future illnesses or give them to someone else.
Protect your health and others
Responsible antibiotic use helps preserve the effectiveness of medicines that are essential for treating bacterial infections.
The goal is not to avoid antibiotics when they are genuinely needed. It is to use them appropriately, under professional guidance, rather than assuming every fever, cough, or sore throat requires them.
Taking medication carefully is part of protecting your own health and helping ensure effective treatments remain available for others.