Doctors prescribe too many antibiotics in winter

Doctors prescribe too many unnecessary antibiotics in winter

10.02.2011

Winter is the high season for antibiotics. The medicines are ineffective for simple colds or flu viruses. Nevertheless, many doctors prescribe antibiotic drugs for the flu and cold.

According to the health insurance DAK in the winter, most antibiotics prescribed. According to an analysis of the health insurance, the drugs are quickly as. During the cold phase „Altzweckwaffe“. Very likely in many cases unnecessary, because: „Presumably, the drugs are still used against flu or colds“, says Dr. Stefanie Schellhammer, expert at the DAK. „But against flu, an antibiotic is usually powerless.“

Antibiotics only for bacterial infections
Time and again, health experts and naturopathy therapists criticize the almost inflationary use of antibiotic drugs. Because the antibiotic drugs are completely ineffective against influenza viruses and additionally damage the intestinal flora to an increased extent. The body needs all its power to ward off the viruses. „Viruses are very difficult to combat. It is best if one's own cells succeed in killing the viruses“, says Dr. Schellhammergasse. „Runny nose and cough alone are usually mild. Medications that relieve symptoms, and home remedies are usually sufficient; Antibiotics only help with bacterial infections.“

Resistance formation through inflationary use
Frequent use of antibiotics not only damages the organism but results in the formation of resistance. Because: „Frequent use of antibiotics damages healthy bacteria and helps others to develop resistance“, explains the DAK expert. „The more frequently the medicines are used, the sooner the bacteria adapt and become insensitive to the medication.“

The allocation of antibiotics should therefore be carefully considered. If there is a risk of an additional bacterial infection, the additional administration of antibiotics may well be useful. This mainly affects patients with a chronic pre-existing illness. „For chronically ill and immune-compromised patients, the use of antibiotics may be appropriate for severe colds“, says Dr. Schellhammergasse. „Already to prevent complications and an additional bacterial disease, such as pneumonia.“ All others can, in consultation with their attending physician, quietly resort to home remedies for natural medicine. There are many applications that can relieve the symptoms of cold or mild flu. Read: home remedies for colds. (Sb)

Read about:
Options of self-treatment in case of cold
Self-treatment flu & colds
Antibiotics damage the intestinal flora
Home remedies for common cold

Picture: Joujou