In the field of health care, antibacterial drugs are important weapons against bacterial infections. However, there are some common rumors about antibacterial drugs, which not only mislead the public, but also may adversely affect the treatment of diseases and public health safety. Today, let’s uncover the veil of these rumors and take a scientific attitude towards antimicrobial drugs.
Myth 1: “Antibiotics can prevent colds.”
Colds are caused by viruses, and antibacterial drugs have no effect on viruses. Although bacterial infections may occur in the later stages of a cold, the use of antimicrobial drugs in advance does not play a preventive role. On the contrary, this unnecessary use may destroy the normal balance of human flora and increase the risk of drug-resistant bacteria.
Myth 2: “Antibiotics for infusion are better than oral administration.”
This is a common misconception. In fact, for most mild to moderate infections, oral antibiotics can usually achieve good therapeutic effect. Although infusion therapy can get drugs into the blood circulation faster, it is also accompanied by higher risks, such as infusion reactions, phlebitis and so on. The choice of infusion or oral administration should be based on the severity of the disease, the patient’s physical condition and the characteristics of the drug, rather than blindly thinking that infusion must be better.
Myth 3: “Broad-spectrum antibiotics kill more bacteria, so they’re better.”
Broad-spectrum antimicrobials work on many types of bacteria, but that doesn’t mean they’re always the best choice. The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics may lead to excessive inhibition of normal flora and lead to dysbacteriosis and superinfection when the type of infection is not clear. In contrast, narrow-spectrum antibiotics are more targeted, more effective against specific pathogens, and have less impact on normal flora. It is often more reasonable to choose narrow-spectrum antibiotics when identifying the types of pathogens.
Myth 4: “New drugs must be better than old drugs.”
New antibacterial drugs are often developed to deal with drug-resistant bacteria or have some special advantages, but this does not mean that they are superior to traditional old drugs in all cases. After a long period of clinical application and testing, some old drugs have been fully studied and understood in terms of their efficacy, safety and drug interactions. In some cases, older drugs may be a more appropriate choice because of familiar experience and reliable efficacy.
Myth 5: “Antibiotics can be discontinued when symptoms disappear.”
The disappearance of
symptoms does not mean that the bacteria in the body have been completely eliminated. If the drug is stopped too early after the symptoms are relieved, the remaining bacteria may reproduce, leading to the recurrence of the infection and even the development of drug resistance. The correct way is to follow the course of treatment prescribed by the doctor to ensure that the bacteria are thoroughly removed and the recurrence of infection is prevented.
Myth 6: “The more expensive the antibiotic, the better.”
Price is not a measure of the efficacy of antimicrobial drugs. The efficacy of drugs depends on their sensitivity to pathogenic bacteria, the distribution and metabolism of drugs in the body and other factors. Sometimes, some inexpensive antibacterial drugs may show better results in specific infections. The choice of antimicrobial agents should be based on the type of pathogen, the site of infection, and the individual condition of the patient, rather than simply on price.
Myth 7: “You can’t drink if you take antibiotics.”
Not all antibacterial drugs and alcohol will produce serious reactions, but some specific antibacterial drugs, such as cephalosporins, metronidazole, etc., may cause disulfiram-like reactions with alcohol, manifested as facial flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting, palpitation and other symptoms, and even life-threatening in severe cases. However, for some other antibacterial drugs, although there is no such serious reaction, alcohol consumption may still affect the metabolism and efficacy of drugs, as well as increase the burden on the liver.
The existence of
these rumors reflects the public’s lack of knowledge and misunderstanding of antimicrobial drugs. In order to use antibiotics rationally and protect our health, we need to rely on scientific knowledge, follow the advice of doctors, and not blindly believe unconfirmed rumors. At the same time, medical institutions and relevant departments should also strengthen the popularization and publicity of antimicrobial knowledge, improve the level of public awareness, jointly promote the rational use of antimicrobial drugs, and maintain public health safety.
Let’s take science as the basis, break the shackles of rumors, use antibiotics correctly, and protect our health. Only in this way can we give full play to the role of antimicrobial drugs, while avoiding unnecessary risks and hazards.
