A virologist warns of these 4 errors that promote the resistance of bacteria
Dr Océane Sorel has struck again! In a new post posted on Instagram, the virus specialist gives us some practical advice to slow down the development of resistant bacteria, which harm the effectiveness of essential treatments and make minor injuries and common infections potentially fatal. Here are 4 mistakes frequently made with antibiotics that should no longer be repeated.
Mistake 1: Taking an antibiotic against a virus
A common error… with very real consequences.
“Colds, flu, gastro: the antibiotic does not kill the virus, but it destroys the good bacteria, which leaves the way open for resistant ones”, alerts the specialist.
Mistake 2: Using the wrong antibiotic
Due to lack of time, have you taken an antibiotic that was lying around in your cupboard? Error. “Resuming the antibiotic prescribed last year for angina, when you have the symptoms of a urinary infection. Result: the infection persists and other bacteria become resistant for nothing”, assures the virologist.
Mistake 3: Stopping treatment as soon as you feel better
Be careful of this harmless habit… and yet (very) harmful. “The good, fragile bacteria die first, but the tough ones need more time. By stopping too early, we give them a second chance to thrive, warns Dr. Océane Sorel.
Mistake 4: Not following your prescription and forgetting certain doses
“This can also promote the appearance of resistant bacteria“, she explains.
Here, the real challenge is not to ban antibiotics (which, remember, made it possible to control outbreaks of bacterial diseases from the middle of the 20th century) but to use them better.
What good actions should you ultimately adopt on a daily basis?
No self-medication
Self-medication is not without danger. “You should never take an antibiotic again without medical advice. Even if the symptoms seem familiar, each infection has its treatment. A poorly chosen antibiotic will have no effect… but will encourage the appearance of resistant bacteria”, recalls Dr. Océane Sorel.
Hand washing: the simple reflex
“Washing your hands with soap and water for 30 seconds is an important gesture to limit the transmission of germs and avoid having to treat infections,” confides the specialist.
Wounds: clean, disinfect, monitor
“A poorly cleaned wound constitutes a real gateway for bacteria. In the event of redness, pain, heat or pus, you must therefore consult!” warns the expert.
Protect and detect STIs
“The use of condoms combined with regular screening helps prevent STIs, some of which require antibiotic treatment. Prevention is therefore better than cure!” recalls Dr. Océane Sorel.
Up to date vaccination = infections avoided
“Pneumococcus, meningococcus, whooping cough… Vaccines exist against certain bacteria. Fewer infections also mean fewer antibiotics”, underlines the specialist.
Follow the treatment to the end
And yes! Even if the symptoms disappear, you must follow your treatment to the end. “Otherwise, the most resistant bacteria survive and come back stronger,” warns the virologist.
No antibiotics “just in case”
“For a cold, flu or viral bronchitis, it’s NO. The antibiotic does nothing against viruses”, finally concludes Dr Océane Sorel.