How antibiotics work?
Antibiotics are medications that are used for treating bacterial infections. Researchers began to notice that certain chemicals could be used to treat infections in the late 1800s. Alexander Fleming discovered in 1928 that Penicillium notatum, a fungus, had infected one of his plated bacteria cultures. The area in which it grew was left bacteria-free.
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This discovery led to penicillin being discovered, which would be the first natural antibiotic to be developed.
- There are many antibiotics available today. There are many ways they can fight bacteria.
- Stopping bacterial cells growing their cell walls properly
- Inhibiting the production of proteins in the bacterial cells
- The synthesis of bacterial nucleic acid, such as DNA or RNA, is hampered by these factors
- Although antibiotics can be used to treat bacterial infections they are not effective against viruses.
- The flu
- Influenza virus causes the flu, a viral illness.
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The respiratory droplets are released into the atmosphere when infected people cough or sneeze. Inhaling these droplets can lead to infection.
You can also spread the virus by touching contaminated surfaces or objects, such as doorknobs or faucet handles. You could become infected if you touch a contaminated surface, then touch your nose, mouth, and face.
A flu virus infection can cause mild to severe symptoms.
- Fièvre
- Chills
- Cough
Runny nose or congested eyes
- Sore throat
- Aches and pains in the body
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Kopfschmerz
Flu is a viral disease, so antibiotics are not an option.
You may have received antibiotics in the past if you had the flu. Your doctor may have suspected that you had a secondary bacterial infection.
Antibiotic resistance
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria becomes resistant to antibiotics. Sometimes, bacteria may become resistant to several antibiotics. This makes it extremely difficult for some infections to be treated.
When bacteria are repeatedly exposed, resistance can develop. In order to survive, bacteria adapts and becomes stronger. They can spread to other areas and cause difficult-to-treat infections if they become antibiotic-resistant.
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Is it possible to get antibiotics for the flu?
A secondary bacterial infection is a possible side effect of the flu.
- Ear infection
- sinus infection
- bacterial pneumonia
A mild infection such as a sinus or bacterial infection can lead to mild complications, but pneumonia can cause serious complications that may need hospitalization. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if you have a secondary bacterial infection.
The flu treatment with antivirals
- Although antibiotics won’t work against the flu, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medication within a specific timeframe.
- These drugs can be used to reduce the severity or duration of flu symptoms if they are taken within two days.
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There are several antiviral medications that can be used to treat the flu.
- oseltamivir (Tamiflu)