Taking too many antibiotics could possibly cause more harm than help

Antibiotics won’t cure viruses, including COVID-19.  But the World Health Organization said physicians frequently prescribed them to coronavirus patients ;’just in case’ they developed a secondary bacterial infection.

“When we’re not feeling well, we want something that’s going to make us feel better as soon as possible,” Alaina DeKerlegand, an infectious disease clinical specialist for Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare said. “A lot of times, an antibiotic is not really going to be what will help us.”

Antibiotic misuse can lead to antimicrobial resistance. That happens when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, also known as ‘superbugs’ no longer respond to medications designed to kill them.

Data from the WHO showed how frequently antibiotics were overused during the pandemic, which may have worsened the spread.

While only eight percent of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 had bacterial co-infections requiring antibiotics, the WHO said three out of four or some 75 percent of patients have been treated with antibiotics.

“When they’re exposed to different antibiotics, they can become smart and find ways to get around these antibiotics trying to kill them,” DeKerlegand said.

“We’re literally down to one or two choices for a lot of patients to treat, sometimes important, life-threatening infections,” Dr. Steve Threlkeld, an infectious disease specialist for Baptist Memorial Healthcare said.

Dr. Threlkeld said the best way to protect yourself and to stop the spread of superbugs is to only use antibiotics when you actually need them.

“If you are offered an antibiotic, ask the question, ‘Do I need this? Is it clearly a bacterial infection?’ Sometimes physicians will give antibiotics to patients just to sort of make them feel better and they are doing something, but that’s not always helpful,” Dr. Threlkeld said.

If you do have a bacterial infection, make sure to take your antibiotics properly.

Take the full course as directed by your doctor, even if you feel better.  Don’t save antibiotics for future use or share them with others.