Understanding the Risks of Using Antibiotics for Viral Infections

Understanding the Risks of Using Antibiotics for Viral Infections

Antibiotics taken in a virus do not let the body fight the viruses. So the virus lasts longer.

The antibiotic taken in a respiratory virosis, that is, in an infection with viruses, means to prevent the body from fighting against them. Antibiotics only kill bacteria. Antibiotics do NOT work on cells infected with viruses.

A respiratory virus does not live. To become infectious, it has to get into our cells. It parasitizes them. And it causes them to become cells that produce other viruses. Now the symptoms appear. This complicated process also happens in a common virus. The antibiotic does not attack viruses.

The virus lasts longer, with more severe symptoms, if we senselessly take antibiotics from the beginning. But the antibiotic, which only attacks bacteria, and not viruses, taken for any common virus is the sure formula for antibiotic resistance.

What does this mean? Immunologist Carmen Chifiriuc explains:

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Univ. Prof. dr Carmen Chifiriuc, Faculty of Biology: “Not only will it not eliminate the infectious process, but it will stimulate the bacteria, which is resistant, to multiply. So what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. That infection will be much stronger and tend to become chronic.”

We also look at the good bacteria in the gut, which are part of the immune defence. And we see an even worse effect of senselessly taken antibiotics.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, once in the gut, carry the information further – to all the good bacteria that we contain and cannot live without. This phenomenon occurs because, like all living organisms, bacteria communicate… chemically.

Because of this communication, there is a risk that an antibiotic-resistant species will appear in the gut. This means weak and very weak defense against all infections.

Univ. Prof. dr Carmen Chifiriuc, Faculty of Biology: “It’s one of the biggest threats, not just to public health, but one of the biggest global threats!”

Bacteria is a living cell. Antibiotics destroy it. But if it resists the repeated attack of antibiotics and becomes resistant, we have nothing to fight against a common infection. This is the main health problem worldwide.

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Source: Pro TV

Tags: antibiotics, virus, biologist, myimpact,

Publication date: 27-10-2024 09:38

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Antibiotics and Viruses: The Comedy of Errors

Ah, antibiotics—a miraculous discovery that has saved more lives than a superhero on a coffee break! But wait! It seems some of us still think antibiotics are the Swiss Army knife of medicine, that they can solve any issue. Spoiler alert: They can’t! In fact, when paired with viruses, they’re about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. So, let’s dive into the science behind this and keep our laughter intact, shall we?

The Unfortunate Affair of Antibiotics vs. Viruses

First things first: antibiotics are absolute legends when it comes to taking down bacteria. Think of them as the muscle-bound bouncers at a nightclub, only letting in the good bugs and kicking out the bad ones. But when it comes to viruses? Oh boy—viruses are like that sneaky guy who slips in the back door while everyone’s distracted. Once they’re in our cells, antibiotics are left looking confused, scratching their heads, thinking, “Where did everybody go?”

The Battle of the Cells

Now, here’s where things get a bit tricky. A respiratory virus doesn’t even “live” in the traditional sense. It’s more of a grumpy parasite waiting for its moment to strike! It managed to sneak in and hijack our cells, turning them into virus factories. Sounds like a dark comedy, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, pouring antibiotics into the mix just messes everything up! They can’t stop the pests from multiplying, and what’s worse? They could actually make the situation… worse!

Resistance is Futile…Or Not!

Imagine you’re fighting a virus and decide to grab the nearest antibiotics, thinking you’re the MacGyver of medicine. But your efforts lead to the virus chuckling at your medical ‘skills’ while the bacteria are strutting around with an “I survived the apocalypse” t-shirt. As Prof. Carmen Chifiriuc puts it, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” And folks, that’s just great parenting advice for bacteria!

The Downward Spiral of Good Bacteria

Now I know what you’re thinking—what about the good bacteria hanging out in our guts? They’re like the loyal friends who stick by you no matter what—even when you mistakenly order a double pepperoni with extra cheese. But here’s where it gets alarming: these antibiotic-resistant superheroes can spread their resistance to our good bacteria. So now, we’re left with a weak defense against infections, facing bacteria that packs a punch we can’t handle. And let’s be real, that’s about as welcoming as a porcupine at a balloon party!

The Global Threat

Prof. Chifiriuc warns this is not just an “oops” moment; it’s a global health drama. We’re talking about a threat that can make even the Avengers tremble—antibiotic-resistant bacteria growing stronger, and our immune defenses getting weaker. It’s a cocktail of disaster with a twist of regret, and no one wants that drink. What’s more frightening? This resistance doesn’t just threaten us; it’s something that could become the next big public health crisis. It’s like a bad sequel that nobody asked for!

Conclusion: The Path Forward

So, the next time you catch a sniffle, let’s rethink reaching for those antibiotics. Maybe pick up some chicken soup instead and let your immune system do its thing. Fight the good fight without unnecessarily strengthening our bacterial foes. Remember, antibiotics aren’t the magic pill, they’re not for viruses, and honestly, if we keep misusing them, we might just end up living in a world where bacteria and viruses are having the last laugh. Talk about cocktail parties gone wrong!

In the end, let’s keep the antibiotics for the bacterial battles we can win. And the next time someone suggests antibiotics for a cold, do what any good comedian would do—get them to laugh instead! Because laughter is the best medicine that doesn’t come with a side of antibiotic resistance.

Source: Pro TV

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Tags: antibiotics, virus, biologist, myimpact

Publication date: 27-10-2024 09:38

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