On the eve of the epidemic season, the Ministry of Health warns: antibiotics can be dangerous in case of ARVI
Kyiv • UNN
The Ministry of Health reminds of the danger of irrational use of antibiotics for viral diseases. Excessive use of antibiotics leads to resistance, adverse reactions and problems with the microflora.
On the threshold of the epidemiological season the Ministry of Health reminded of the importance of rational use of antibiotics, as their excessive use leads to an increase in antimicrobial resistance. UNN writes about this with reference to the Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.
Details
In particular, Ukrainians are reminded that most seasonal respiratory diseases are caused by viruses, not bacteria. And since antibiotics do not work on viruses, antibacterial drugs are not used in the treatment of respiratory diseases caused by viruses. A doctor can prescribe antibiotics only if the bacterial nature of the infection is confirmed or reasonably suspected. The Center added that antibiotics should be prescribed only by a qualified doctor after an examination and tests confirming the bacterial nature of the disease, not the viral one.
The misuse of antibacterial drugs to treat respiratory diseases of viral etiology is a widespread negative phenomenon. According to a study in the United States, from April 2016 to September 2018, 43% to 56% of patients received inappropriate antibiotics for bacterial infections and 7% to 66% received antibiotics for viral infections
Excessive use of antibiotics and inappropriate prescriptions lead to an increase in antimicrobial resistance, adverse reactions to antibacterial drugs, and the risk of developing Clostridium difficile-related conditions. In addition, the PHC emphasized that antimicrobial resistance increases the burden on Ukraine's medical system, which is already facing great challenges due to the war.
Negative consequences of irrational use of antibiotics:
- development of antimicrobial resistance: infectious agents adapt to antibiotics, which reduces or even negates the effectiveness of treatment with standard drugs;
- adverse reactions: improper use of antibiotics can cause allergies, kidney and liver disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, and other complications;
- microflora imbalance and conditions associated with Clostridium difficile: a healthy balance of bacteria in the intestines is disrupted, which can lead to digestive disorders and weakened immunity, as well as an increased risk of infection with Clostridium difficile and nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
Recall
The Cabinet of Ministers has decided to create a national drug verification system with 2D coding. Manufacturers are obliged to label drug packages with a unique code that will allow them to verify the authenticity of drugs.
