Antibiotics Rongoā paturopi

You have many bacteria (a type of bug or germ) in your body, especially in your gut (digestive tract). Some of these bacteria help keep you healthy. But some can cause infections in different parts of your body.

Antibiotics work by killing or reducing the growth of bacteria. They can affect the bacteria that cause an infection, but they can also kill your good bacteria at the same time.

Antibiotics only work against bacteria. They do not work for viral infections like a cold or the flu.

If an infection is caused by a virus or fungus then antivirals or antifungals may be appropriate. Your healthcare provider will decide when these are necessary.

Many infections are caused by viruses. These include:

• colds and sinusitis
• middle ear infections
• sore throats
• chest infections like bronchitis and the flu
• diarrhoea and vomiting (gastroenteritis).

Your healthcare provider will decide whether further testing is needed to find the cause of your infection, and whether antibiotics are needed.

Taking antibiotics for a viral infection will not make you feel better any quicker. In fact, the side effects may make you feel worse.

Your immune system

Your immune system attacks and kills all types of germs and defends you against infections. It can fight off viral infections and minor bacterial infections without you needing antibiotics.

While your immune system is fighting a viral infection, you might feel unwell for up to 2 weeks.

During this time, any mucus from your nose or chest may go from white or clear to yellow or pale green. This is normal. As long as it is just a small amount and you are not becoming more unwell, you do not need antibiotics.

While you wait for your immune system to get rid of a viral infection, it is important to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Using paracetamol or ibuprofen, decongestants and gargles can help.

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Some antibiotics can interact with other medicines you may be taking so this needs to be discussed with your healthcare provider.

It is important to follow the instructions you get with your antibiotics. These will be on the label of your medicine box or bottle. If you are not sure, check with your pharmacist.

There are several different antibiotics and each needs to be taken in a different way to work well. Some are taken once a day, others more often. Some need to be taken on an empty stomach, and others with food.

Only take the antibiotics prescribed for you. Do not take other people's antibiotics and do not give your antibiotics to other people. This is because not all antibiotics work for all infections. They may also cause unpleasant or even serious side effects.

If you are asked to finish all your antibiotics, do so even if you feel better.

Return unwanted or leftover antibiotics to your pharmacy. Do not dispose of them down the toilet or sink or in your general household rubbish.

Returning unused or expired medicines

Not taking antibiotics as directed and not getting rid of them correctly can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These can cause serious infections that are hard to treat.

Not everyone gets side effects from taking antibiotics. But some people do get side effects, which often happen because the antibiotic has also killed good bacteria. Common side effects are:

• feeling sick (nausea) or throwing up (vomiting)
• runny poos (diarrhoea)
• thrush (a fungal infection)
• a rash.

Taking antibiotics when you need them for a bacterial infection will not weaken your immune system.

Allergy to antibiotics

Antibiotics can cause an allergy, but this is rare. If you get a rash while taking an antibiotic, check with your healthcare provider to see if it is likely to be an allergic reaction. More severe allergy symptoms include swelling of your lips and tongue and difficulty breathing. This can indicate anaphylaxis, a severe life-threatening allergic reaction.

Anaphylaxis (severe allergy)

It is best to avoid drinking alcohol while you take antibiotics. This is because the alcohol can make the side effects like nausea and diarrhoea worse. With some antibiotics, you can get a reaction if you drink alcohol.