When Caution Causes Harm: The Misuse of Antibiotics

Some people believe it is safer to take an antibiotic than to avoid it. As a result, they assume that even if the medication is unnecessary, it cannot cause harm. Instead, they believe it might prevent a more serious illness. However, science does not support this approach.First, antibiotics kill harmful bacteria. However, they do not work against viruses. For example, colds, the flu, and many common infections are viral. Therefore, antibiotics provide no benefit in these cases.In addition, antibiotics can cause harm. They kill beneficial bacteria along with harmful ones. As a result, this disrupts the body’s natural balance. Consequently, side effects and secondary infections may occur.Finally, unnecessary antibiotic use contributes to antibiotic resistance. Over time, each misuse allows resistant bacteria to survive and spread. In the United States, these infections already kill thousands of people each year. Looking ahead, experts warn that by 2050, antibiotic resistance may rival cancer as a leading cause of death.Resources:Mayo Clinic, Healthy Lifestyle, Consumer Health: Mayo Clinic Staff, July 11, 2023 Mayo Clinic Last Viewed: 20231231Keck Medicine of USC, Everyday Health, The Pros and Cons of Antibiotics: Heidi Tyline King October 3, 2018, updated November 3, 2023 Telehealth Last Viewed: 20230101Institute For Health Metrics and Evaluation, Antimicrobial resistance poses threat in all 35 countries in the Americas: Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance (GRAM) Project, August 8, 2023 Institute For Health Metrics and Evaluation Last Viewed: 20230102