Antibiotic resistance is now becoming a global
scare and what is making its worse is the fact
that people are taking antibiotics for minor
ailments like cold and flu without knowing its
implications. Lack of awareness makes them
reach out for over-the-counter medications for
instant relief and at times it is prescribed by the
doctors and other health care practitioners too.

But remember taking antibiotics for cold and
cough isn’t necessary. ‘Most of the time colds or
other upper respiratory tract problems are either
due to allergies or viral infection, which doesn’t
require antibiotics. It is only 10 percent of these
colds that would need an antibiotic after a
thorough proper clinical assessment by a doctor,’
says Dr Sandeep Sonawane, general practitioner,
Sunrise Hospitals, Mumbai.

Why antibiotics are a complete no-no for colds

Here is the bottom line: Antibiotics are prescribed to fight infections caused due to a bacteria and not viruses. Using a medication when it is not needed can cause your body to react in a different way. It might not seem like a harm you are doing to yourself. But over time, using antibiotics for no reason could lead to antibiotic resistance and make your body less effective against those medications. This is a reason they fail to work when your body really needs to fight a bacterial infection.


So when should you take antibiotics for a cold?

Never demand your doctor to prescribe
antibiotics or get it from a medical shop to treat
your cold. In case, your cold and cough is a
symptom of an underlying bacterial infection
then probably your doctor would prescribe one to
you. ‘The symptoms of cold due to a bacterial
and viral infection are usually the same. So only
a doctor can decide if you need an antibiotic for
your condition. Usually, a cold accompanied by
high-grade fever, weakness and which isn’t
responding to antipyretic medications
(medications given to treat fever) might need
prescribed antibiotics,’ says Dr Sonawane.


Why should you be cautious with antibiotics?

A multi-country survey done by the WHO reveals
a widespread misunderstanding on antibiotic
resistance. Antibiotic resistance happens when
bacteria change and become resistant to the
antibiotics used to treat the infections they
cause. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics
increase the development of resistant bacteria,
and this survey points out some of the practices,
gaps in understanding and misconceptions that
contribute to this phenomenon.

Remember November 16th to 22nd is antibiotic awareness week.

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