BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Antibiotics are a powerful tool against infection when used correctly, but they can be dangerous when misprescribed – something you’re at higher risk of this winter.
Whether an ear infection or strep throat, antibiotics are often the answer, but experts say these medications are only effective against bacterial infections – not viral.
“Antibiotics aren’t going to have any activity against that virus so they’re really not going to be of any help,” said UVM Professor of Medicine Lindsay Smith.
Smith runs the medical center’s Antimicrobial Stewardship Program alongside Infectious Disease Pharmacist John Ahern.
Their goal is to promote the correct use of antibiotics and prevent the fallout of improper treatment.
“They may have an allergic reaction, they may experience GI upset, and as a result, they’ll experience the negative side effects of being treated with an antibiotic as opposed to the benefits,” said Ahern.
A recent study found that antibiotic misprescription is about 10% higher in the winter than in summer.
Respiratory tract diagnoses may be to blame as they’re more common in the winter and can be hard to distinguish as viral or bacterial.
Improper antibiotic prescription can kill good bacteria and lead to resistance, which is when doctors reach for a second option.
“If we get too much resistance from inappropriate antibiotic use and mutations of the bacteria, then we have to start using drugs that are not quite as safe for broader spectrum,” said Smith.
Ahern says patients should still follow their doctor’s instructions but ask whether they have an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program to assess proper antibiotic use. That way, doctors can keep antibiotics in their toolbox.
“If I use them indiscriminately, over time they’ll lose their effectiveness, and I’ll lose another tool with which to treat my patients,” said Ahern.
Experts emphasize that sickness prevention is just as important as proper treatment. That means get vaccinated, wash your hands, and practice safe gatherings.