(Paperback)
Lisa H Gregory Ph D,
Independently Published (Publisher)
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Antibiotics are a group of medicines that are used to treat infections caused by some germs (bacteria and certain parasites). They do not work against infections that are caused by viruses - for example, the common cold or flu. Antibiotics are normally only prescribed for more serious bacterial infections, as many infections get better on their own. Correct use of antibiotics is absolutely essential to help reduce antibiotic resistance. Germs become resistant to antibiotics over time, which then makes them less effective.The World Health Organization (WHO) says "the world urgently needs to change the way it prescribes and uses antibiotics" as antibiotic resistance is a major global threat. It is important to remember that antibiotics only work against infections that are caused by bacteria and certain parasites. A parasite is a type of germ that needs to live on or in another living being (host). Antibiotics do not work against infections that are caused by viruses (for example, the common cold or flu), or fungi (for example, thrush in the mouth or vagina), or fungal infections of the skin. Microbes, Germs and Antibiotics discusses the different types of germs which can cause infections.Occasionally, a viral infection or minor bacterial infection develops into a more serious secondary bacterial infection. In this case, antibiotics would be needed. There are various antibiotics available and they come in various different brand names. Antibiotics are usually grouped together based on how they work. Each type of antibiotic only works against certain types of bacteria or parasites. This is why different antibiotics are used to treat different types of infection.
