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Antibiotic Overkill

At the onset of a bacterial infection, we all look hopefully towards our handy antibiotic medicines to save the day. When used properly, antibiotics will do just the trick to end your infection. However, some uses can result in the bacteria becoming resistant and returning in full throttle. Follow these few tips through the season of giving to prevent yourself from getting a serious infection:

antibiotics pills scattered on surface1. Only take antibiotics when you are prescribed to take them and use antibiotics as instructed. It is important to utilize antibiotics for your infection only after you have discussed your situation with your doctor and decided that antibiotics are the best treatment option. This also means taking the antibiotics in the proper dose amounts and for the treatment period recommended by your doctor. Taking antibiotics when they are not required or taking more than the recommended dose can cause bacteria to mutate and the medicine will eventually lose its effectiveness. This allows the infection to strengthen and become resistant, leaving you with more doctor’s bills to pay and with a more serious infection.

2.Do not share antibiotics with anyone else or take antibiotics that have been prescribed to someone else. Taking medicine that has not been prescribed to you is always dangerous. Each bacterial infection is different and requires its own unique treatment. Antibiotics should never be shared.

3. Avoid foods that contain antibiotics. It may sounds strange, but some foods do, in fact, contain natural antibiotics. When overused, these foods can cause an overgrowth of fungus in our bodies and lead to a serious infection. Here are some of the foods you should watch for: beef, milk, poultry, pork, grains and plants. Since cattle and plants may become infected, veterinarians may implement medicines and antibiotics to keep them healthy. These medicines may be left over in many meats, animal products, and plants.  Foods that do not contain these medicines are often organic or labeled antibiotic-free. They may be more expensive, but these foods are worth it to avoid the possibility of slowly becoming resistant to antibiotics.

4. Ask your doctor if antibiotics are the right option for you. Antibiotics are not always the best solution when treating an infection. Patients should understand that like all medicines, antibiotics may cause serious and harmful side effects such as inflammation of the colon or large intestine (Clostridium Difficilecolitis) or a yeast infection. Know your options and discuss different methods of treatment to ensure your health. Some infections may require other medicines, or may be treated naturally.

So next time you are tempted to take an antibiotic medicine just in case, speak with your doctor, and know the risks of taking antibiotics. Avoid a serious trip to the hospital by following our antibiotic safety tips, and learn more about medical news at bad-drug.net.

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