Safe use of antibiotics
Around us
there are different bacteria and viruses
that can make us sick
There are specific drugs for specific diseases
like antibiotics and antiviral drugs
Using the wrong drug cannot cure the diseases
it may also lead to serious outcome
That’s why you must
use the right drug for the disease
So, what types of diseases are caused by bacteria?
What are caused by viruses?
Bacteria are very different from viruses
They cause different types of diseases
Examples of bacterial infections are
Examples of bacterial infections are
Escherichia coli Urinary tract
(E.coli) infection
Diarrhoeal
disease
Escherichia coli may cause
urinary tract infection or diarrhoeal disease
Streptococcus Chest infection
pneumoniae
Middle ear infection
Streptococcus pneumoniae may cause
chest infection and middle ear infection
Staphylococcus aureus Skin and soft
tissue infections
Staphylococcus aureus may cause
skin and soft tissue infections
Examples of viral infections are
Examples of viral infections are
Rhinovirus Cold
cold
Influenza virus, Influenza
e.g. H1N1, H3N2
influenza (flu)
Enterovirus Hand, foot and
mouth disease
hand, foot and mouth disease
Varicella-zoster virus Chickenpox
and chickenpox
Should we use antibiotics to treat
bacterial infections and viral infections?
No!
Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections
They are useless against a cold and the flu!
Like all drugs
antibiotics have their uses
but they may be harmful!
What are the risks?
Side effects and infections due to resistant bacteria
Nausea
Common side effects include
nausea
Vomiting
vomiting
Constipation
constipation
Diarrhoea
or diarrhoea
Headache
and headache
Some people will suffer from allergic reactions
Rashes
such as rashes
Skin itchiness
skin itchiness
Breathlessness
and even breathlessness if severe
When there are allergic reactions
you should bring the drugs
to consult a doctor right away!
If proven that you are allergic to the drug
the doctor will issue a record card
which you should bring along
whenever you visit a doctor
The other risk is
infections due to resistant bacteria
Why?
When taking antibiotics to treat bacterial infections
they also kill the normal bacteria in our body
increase the chance of
acquiring resistant bacteria
Infections due to resistant bacteria
Infections due to resistant bacteria
are very difficult to treat
Data in recent years show that
resistant bacteria have increased
to a point of endangering public health
We must use antibiotics smartly!
That’s right!
When taking antibiotics
the following points should be noted
Not all infections require antibiotics
When feeling unwell
you must consult a doctor
Let the doctor decide the treatment for you
and see if antibiotics are needed
Follow health professionals’ instructions closely
if antibiotics are needed
If feeling unwell after taking antibiotics
consult a doctor at once
To prevent infections due to resistant bacteria
one must enhance personal hygiene
when taking antibiotics
Keep your hands clean
Drinking water must be fully boiled
Food must be thoroughly cooked
Disinfect and cover any wounds
Wear a mask
if there are symptoms of respiratory infections
Avoid contact with other children
if a child has symptoms of infection
Doctor, I would like to ask a few more questions
Should I take antibiotics when I have a fever?
Fever can be due to many causes
it may not be due to bacterial infection
Consult your doctor first
Let him decide whether antibiotics are needed
Should I take antibiotics
if the nasal discharge turns yellow or green?
Nasal discharge can become thickened or change colour
when you have a cold or the flu
This is not necessarily a bacterial infection
If I have similar symptoms as before
can I take the same drugs?
Having similar symptoms
does not mean that you have the same disease
You must consult a doctor when feeling unwell!
Never self-medicate especially antibiotics!
I see!
Good, let me summarise
1. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections,
but they do not work for a cold or the flu
2. Consult a doctor first, let him decide if antibiotics are needed
3. Antibiotics kill normal bacteria in our body,
increase the chance of acquiring resistant bacteria
4. Enhance personal hygiene when taking antibiotics
If you have questions
on taking antibiotics or other drugs
you must ask your doctor during consultation