A health expert from the SamSMU Scientific and Technical Institute, specializing in bionic engineering in medicine, warns that taking antibiotics for colds without a medical prescription can pose real risks to patients and those around them. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics fosters resistance in microbes, which can then spread to others, especially in communal settings such as hospitals. This is a concern voiced by the expert in discussions with media outlets.
Antibiotics sometimes render bacteria less susceptible to many drugs. When resistance develops, bacteria can pass resistance genes to neighboring microbes, turning a patient into a carrier of tougher bacterial strains. In healthcare environments, this increases the chance of transmitting resistant infections to other patients and staff.
As the situation evolves, illnesses more serious than a simple cold, such as pneumonia, may arise. In such cases, antibiotics chosen by clinicians in hospital settings may become ineffective because the bacteria have learned to shield themselves from these treatments, the expert noted.
Beyond resistance, antibiotics can disrupt the balance of the gut and other organ systems. In such disruptions, beneficial microbes decline, and harmful organisms can take hold, leading to a cascade of health issues.
To prevent resistance from taking hold, the expert stressed that antibiotics should be used only under a physician’s guidance, with strict adherence to prescribed dosages and treatment timelines. This careful approach helps ensure the antibiotics work when truly needed and minimizes harm to the patient and others.
The professional also emphasized the importance of timely vaccination as a tool to reduce the risk of bacterial infections and the need for antibiotics in the first place.
It is widely recognized that widespread use of antibiotics threatens public health. When antibiotics are overutilized, their effectiveness diminishes, and resistant strains proliferate, complicating treatment for future infections.
Medical professionals have also cautioned about combining antibiotics with alcohol, noting potential toxic effects on the liver and other adverse interactions. Patients are encouraged to discuss any alcohol consumption with their healthcare providers when prescribed antibiotics.
Public health experts continue to advocate for responsible antibiotic stewardship, including patient education, accurate diagnosis, and adherence to evidence-based guidelines. This emphasis aims to preserve antibiotic effectiveness for those who truly need them and to reduce unnecessary exposure that can harm individuals and communities alike.