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Are Antibiotics Always the Best Medicine?
Consumer demand is a powerful driving force in the world of medicine. Not only does advertising push for medication use, but we grow up and learn bad habits through the media and our friends and family. Take this simple test and find out if you have the knowledge to make good choices for your health.
- Antibiotics kill viruses.
 TrueFalse
- Antibiotics kill bacteria.TrueFalse
- Antibiotics are a stronger form of aspirin.TrueFalse
- Penicillin is not an antibiotic.TrueFalse
- Antibiotics should be given for colds and flu.TrueFalse
- Antibiotics should be given for gastroenteritis.TrueFalse
If you had a hard time answering the questions, don't be alarmed. One can not expect the general public to be educated to the extent of a physician. Yet, misconceptions make patients victims of improper care. The correct responses are given below.
- FalseAntibiotics do not kill viruses (or yeast) Viral infections are not helped by antibiotics.
- TrueAntibiotics do kill bacteria. This is what they are designed for.
- FalseAntibiotics kill bacteria. Aspirin and acetaminophen combats fever and inflammation.
- FalsePenicillin is on of the most widely used antibiotics in the world.
- FalseAntibiotics should almost never be given for cold or flu because both conditions are due to viruses. Antibiotics are sometimes used when the flu becomes complicated by pneumonia.
- FalseAntibiotics should be used for gastroenteritis only when the cause is found to be bacterial by a stool culture and testing.
So, how did you do? The purpose of this test is to make you aware that there are specific uses of antibiotics. Common illnesses including cold and flu are caused be viral infections and many times your doctor will not prescribe antibiotics. Over the counter remedies are usually effective in relieving some of the symptoms including fever, aches and pains. Yet, letting your body fight the infection through a strong immune system through natural remedies is the most natural care for your body.
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