Infectious diseases are those caused by pathogenic microorganisms (e.g. bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, etc.) and are widespread in everyday life. Although there has been significant progress in the treatment of infections in modern medicine, there are still many errors due to insufficient public awareness of the treatment of infections. These errors can lead to poor treatment and even serious consequences. This paper will target common error areas for the treatment of infections and help the public to understand and respond to infectious diseases.
One: The infection is bacterial. Antibiotics cure all infections.
Truth: The pathogens of infection are diverse and antibiotics are effective only for bacterial infections.
Pathogens with infectious diseases include bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Antibiotics are drugs for bacterial infections and are ineffective for infections caused by viruses (e.g. flu, common flu), fungi (e.g. halibut infections) or parasites (e.g. malaria). The abuse of antibiotics not only does not cure non-bacterial infections, but may also lead to antibiotic resistance. Therefore, before treating infection, the pathogen type should be identified and blind use of antibiotics avoided.
II. Zone of error II: Detoxification once symptoms are mitigated
Truth: A premature stoppage can lead to re-emergence or resistance.
Many patients consider that the disease is cured and stop taking their own medications after the infection has been reduced. However, the reduction of symptoms does not mean that pathogens have been completely removed. Premature detoxification can lead to re-reproduction of the remaining pathogens, lead to re-emergence and even resistance. The doctor usually sets the course of treatment according to the type and severity of the infection, and the patient should strictly comply with his or her instructions to complete the whole course of treatment, and should not stop the drug without permission, even if the symptoms disappear.
iii. Mistake III: Antibiotics cost as much as possible, and broad spectrum antibiotics are more effective.
Truth: The choice of antibiotics should be determined by the type of pathogen and the sensitivity of the drug, not by price or spectrometry.
The principle for the use of antibiotics is “to treat the disease”, i.e. to select the most appropriate antibiotics according to the type of pathogens and the sensitivity of the drug. Although widely available, broad-spectral antibiotics can cause greater damage to normal strains and increase the risk of double infections. In addition, expensive antibiotics are not always suitable for all infections, and blind pursuit of “high prices” or “broad spectrum” can be counterproductive. Doctors choose the most appropriate drugs on a case-by-case basis, and patients should not decide on their own.
IV. Zone four: Antibiotics prevent infection
Truth: Preventive use of antibiotics applies only in specific situations and there are risks associated with abuse.
Antibiotics are considered by many to prevent infection and are therefore self-activated with antibiotics before surgery, after trauma or during cold. However, the preventive use of antibiotics only applies to specific high-risk situations (e.g. pre-operative prevention of infection) and is subject to medical guidance. The abuse of antibiotics not only does not contribute to the prevention of infection, but may also destroy normal strains and increase the risk of drug-resistant bacteria.
V. Miss five: The fever is the infection, the antibiotics must be used.
Truth: The heat is a manifestation of many diseases, and antibiotics are not all treatments for heat.
Heating is the body ‘ s immune response to infection, inflammation or other diseases and is not necessarily caused by bacterial infections. For example, viral infections, immune diseases or tumours can also lead to fever. Antibiotics apply only to the fever caused by bacterial infections, and their abuse is not only ineffective but may also cover up the situation and delay the correct diagnosis. Therefore, the fever should be treated in a timely manner, with a doctor to determine the cause and develop a treatment programme.
VI. Zone of error VI: May start again at any time after interruption of treatment
Truth: Interrupting treatment can lead to drug resistance and treatment failure, and re-introduction has limited effect.
Some patients interrupt the treatment for symptoms or for other reasons, believing that they can re-use the medication when the condition is aggravated. However, interruptions in treatment may lead to drug resistance of pathogens and increased difficulties in follow-up. In addition, re-use may not achieve the desired results and may even require more effective drugs or longer treatment. The treatment of infection should therefore be carried out in strict accordance with the advice of the doctor and avoid any interruption or modification of the treatment.
VII. Zone VII: Antibiotics are freely available for purchase and use
Truth: Antibiotics are prescription drugs that need to be used under medical supervision.
Antibiotic abuse is common in some regions, with many buying and using antibiotics without a doctor ‘ s prescription. Such behaviour may not only lead to treatment failure but also increase the risk of drug-resistant bacteria. The use of antibiotics requires a comprehensive diagnosis based on the condition, the type of pathogens and the sensitivity of the drug, and the patient should not decide on the use of the drug.
VIII. Zone 8: Treatment of infection requires drugs and no other measures
Truth: Treatment of infection requires a comprehensive approach, of which drugs are only part.
The treatment of infection is not only drug-dependent but also needs to be adapted to other supportive treatments and lifestyles. For example, sufficient water recharge can help to remove toxins, good nutrition can enhance immunity and proper rest can contribute to physical recovery. In addition, vaccination is a key preventive measure for certain infections, such as viral infections. Consequently, the treatment of infection should be based on a comprehensive strategy and not just on drugs.
Concluding remarks
The treatment of infectious diseases involves a wide range of expertise, and patients should avoid common errors in the treatment process and strictly follow the guidance of doctors. Misuse of antibiotics, random detoxification or self-use may not only lead to treatment failure, but also serious consequences such as drug resistance. Through the scientific understanding of the treatment of infection, the rational use of drugs, together with comprehensive treatment, effective control of the infection and the promotion of physical rehabilitation. At the same time, the public should promote health awareness and avoid unnecessary health risks due to fault zones.
