The Do’s and Don’ts of Taking Antibiotics for Bacterial Infections
Antibiotics are powerful medicines that have saved countless lives by treating bacterial infections. From strep throat to urinary tract infections, antibiotics for bacterial infections help your body fight off harmful bacteria and recover faster. But using them incorrectly can do more harm than good — both for your health and for public safety. Misuse of antibiotics is one of the key reasons behind the rise of antibiotic resistance, a global health threat where bacteria evolve to resist the effects of medication. To make sure you're getting the most out of your treatment and not contributing to this problem, here are some essential do’s and don’ts when taking antibiotics. DO: Take Antibiotics Exactly as Prescribed Always follow your doctor’s instructions to the letter. Take the correct dose at the same time every day, and finish the full course even if you feel better before it's over. Stopping early can allow some bacteria to survive — and possibly come back stronger. DON’T...