The importance of educating yourself about antibiotic use
Consumption of antibiotics at the time of illness should not be haphazard. To be safe, use should be according to doctor's instructions.
Antibiotics are one type of medication commonly prescribed by a physician when a person experiences a bacterial infection. But sometimes, some people choose to use antibiotics without the advice of healthcare personnel, and this is an improper thing.
Therefore, there is a deeper education in the community that does not happen again to abuse the antibiotic. Because if left unattended, people who consume it without a doctor's prescription can experience antibiotic resistance.
To educate the world community on the importance of proper use of antibiotics, the World Health Organization (WHO) hosted World Antibiotic Awareness Week or the global antibiotic knowledge Week, which fell on the date of 12-18 November. The theme raised this year is about the importance of getting advice from healthcare professionals before consuming antibiotics.
As a type of medication that has enough impact, it is very important to get the appropriate recommendation before taking antibiotics. As such, you not only ensure the use of the drug wisely but also help to lower the threat of antibiotic resistance.
Hazard from antibiotic consumption
Improper and excessive use of antibiotics can increase the occurrence of various risks. Taking antibiotics when the body does not need it can accelerate the onset of antibiotic resistance, which is one of the greatest threats to global health.
The meaning of antibiotic resistance here is that the bacteria become resistant to treatment so that the provided treatment becomes ineffective again. When this happens, infections that are initially common and easy to treat can be difficult to treat.
Infections of antibiotic-resistant bacteria can happen to anyone, with any age, and in any country. Also, infections of bacteria that have antibiotic resistance can lead to an increase in hospital stays, increased medical costs, and increased mortality rates.
Preventing antibiotic resistance
Antibiotics can not always be the answer for every disease. For example, antibiotics do not affect infections caused by viruses. Therefore, if you have a complaint, it is important to consult a doctor directly for medical interviews, physical examination, and the necessary supporting examination.
All these things need to be done to determine if the condition is required to require treatment using antibiotics. Then, what are the steps that need to be applied to prevent antibiotic resistance?
One of the things that everyone can do is always follow the advice of healthcare professionals before taking medicines, especially antibiotics. Also, it is important to remember that not all infections require antibiotics.
The no less important, remember that each prescription of antibiotics administered by a physician is certainly devoted to the patient being examined. So, never take antibiotics from other people's recipes, or share your antibiotic medication with family members or friends, even if the complaints are similar.
Antibiotic resistance is one of the threats to global health. Therefore, educating the public about the importance of rational antibiotic consumption is indispensable. Thus, the occurrence of health disorders due to antibiotic abuse can be avoided. Let's be smarter in consuming antibiotics.