Many people in the nation are suffering from the severe flu symptoms of cough, fever, headaches, and runny nose. The flu season has grabbed the nation. Many consumers buy antibiotics from drug stores without a prescription from a doctor.
Several medical professionals have issued warnings against the use of antibiotics without a diagnosis in light of this trend.
Physicians have advised against self-medicating in such circumstances.
How do antibiotics work?
Antibiotics are drugs that treat bacterial infections in both people and animals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), viruses that cause colds, runny noses, sore throats, the flu, etc. do not respond to antibiotics.
Thus, doctors have recommended individuals not to take antibiotics without a medical diagnosis because the current outbreak is linked to the virus.
The H3N2 virus has led to hospitalizations and severe symptoms in India, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
In light of the increased number of cases of cough, cold, and nausea across the nation, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has warned against the indiscriminate use of antibiotics.
According to IMA, Amoxicillin, Norfloxacin, Oprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, and Levofloxacin are the antibiotics that are most frequently mishandled.
Antibiotic side effects include:
Antibiotic side effects are possible whenever they are used. Little to very serious health issues can result from common side effects, which can include:
Rash
Nausea
Diarrhea
Yeast infections
More serious side effects can include:
C. diff infection, which causes diarrhea that can lead to severe colon damage and death
Severe and life-threatening allergic reactions
Antibiotic-resistant infection
Why self-medication is important?
If someone takes anitbiotic in case of flu without going to the doctor, the situation might get worse. Since antibiotics cannot treat flu.
Also, with self medication, people don’t complete the course fully. The bacteria present inside the body will become resistant to the medication.
