It is impossible to imagine modern medicine without antibiotics? They have progressed far beyond penicillin which was invented a hundred years ago. Today they are able to fight super bacterias and treat uncomplicated appendicitis. Scientists are trying to get them from the most unexpected sources like soil, anthill, the blood of a Komodo lizard or the milk of a platypus.
The endless search is associated with the fact that the longer humanity uses antibiotics, the higher the likelihood of bacteria resistance to it and so new drugs are required. Today we have a pretty clear understanding of antibiotics yet we still continue believing in various myths regarding them.
Many people are still convinced that antibiotics can cure the flu even though they are useless in treating viral infections. This is just one of the common misconceptions people believe. We have collected five more common myths surrounding antibiotics that will help you understand what they are and why they are more safe than dangerous.
1. Antibiotics Should Be Taken With Probiotics
Antibiotics destroy bacteria and probiotics restore the intestinal microflora. In fact, antibiotics usually do not cause dysbiosis, thrush, bleeding hemorrhoids or ulcers. A small risk persists but normally the only thing that threatens a person taking a course of antibiotics is short-term diarrhea.
In regard to probiotics, if you do not take commercial studies into account, the doctors remain skeptical. Further studies are needed to understand which strains of bacteria are most useful and in what doses. Experts are sure that the best way to increase the health of your intestines is to drink plenty of fluids, choose softer foods, and reduce the amount of fiber.
2. Antibiotics Are Very Dangerous for Children and Pregnant
Researchers believe that pregnant women should use antibiotics with caution. This does not mean that they are prohibited, it is only important to think about their suitability in each specific case. Antibiotics are not dangerous but only when they are taken according to prescribed instructions.
The World Health Organization updated the list of essential drugs, dividing antibiotics into recommended, controlled, and reserved categories. This is important for prescribing the “right” antibiotics in each individual case.
3. Resistance Arises Only From Constant Use of Antibiotics
The widespread use of antibiotics has accelerated the pace at which bacteria become resistant to them. But to think that only regular and uncontrolled use of antibiotics can lead to resistance is wrong. Scientists have found that genes for antibiotic resistance may be to blame, which gives bacteria the ability to destroy antibiotics of the carbapenem class, one of the main means against extremely dangerous super bacteria.
Not so long ago, it was discovered that some bacteria in the struggle for territory destroy other microbes and “pick up” the remains of their DNA which may contain genes for antibiotic resistance.
4. Antibiotics Are Not Compatible With Alcohol
The majority of commonly prescribed antibiotics are completely compatible with alcohol. One or two glasses of wine is not a reason to interrupt the course or think that it renders the antibiotics useless.
Combining alcohol with antibiotics was forbidden during the Second World War. Then the production of the drug was not massive and it was used repeatedly. Urine was collected from patients, from which new penicillin was then obtained. When the soldiers drank beer, it increased the volume of urine and made it more difficult to process.
5. Antibiotics Can Be Used for Prevention
Antibiotic prophylaxis is used to reduce the risk of infections associated with open fractures and wounds, including post-surgery. But antibiotic prophylaxis often refers to the prevention of infections in everyday situations when a person goes on vacation to an unfamiliar country.
This is done primarily to prevent an intestinal disorder, known as traveler’s diarrhea which arises from a change in diet or climate. Doctors around the world agree that such prevention is not good. It is better and safer to simply be more careful with the choice of water and food you choose.
