My daughter got sick last week because of weather changes in our country today. We are from the Philippines and as a tropical country; we are frown to some illnesses like coughs, colds, and asthma, viruses and bacteria infections because of long summer months. Like other parents did when their kids are sick, we went to a clinic or hospital for a medical check-up. My daughter has an on-and-off fever ranging from 37 to 39 degrees Celsius, a few coughing and a sore throat. On the first day of the symptoms, we went to the doctor for us to know where this came from or what the cause of the fever is. As expected, the doctor checked her throat and vital signs and gives us prescription drugs for anti-bacterial/virus; 250mg per 5ml, with generic name - cefalexin. The doctor said that if her conditions after three days did not improved, they have to get the blood and urine sample in order to know if there are other diseases associated with that fever. Immediately, we bought it and gave it to my kid in accordance with her weight as prescribed bt the doctor.
Then, after one, two to three days we noticed that the physical condition of my daughter is not improving. It’s the same as in the first day of the symptom. So, we decided to return to the doctor for additional check ups and to extract blood sample and urine sample at the same time. To make the story short, they test the blood and urine. And praise God! My daughter has no UTI, Dengue or Typhoid fever. Their laboratory tests were all normal. I asked the doctor what happened. She said the cefalexin antibiotic drug did not contain the virus or bacteria infections of my daughter and she needs a more effective drug. She gave us Clarithromycin as prescribed. Six hours after taking said medicine, my daughter’s feelings improved and continuously improving.
What are the causes of this? Like all organisms, microbes undergo random genetic mutations, and these changes can enhance drug resistance. Resistance to a drug arising by chance in just a few organisms can quickly spread through rapid reproduction to entire populations of a microbe. Antimicrobial resistance is fostered by the overuse and misuse of antimicrobial drugs in people as well as animals; a lack of diagnostic tests to rapidly identify infectious agents; and poor hand hygiene and infection control in healthcare and community settings. Together, these forces contribute to the problem of drug-resistant infections that are increasingly difficult and costly to treat. The antivirals that have been developed are generally less effective than one would like. Viruses can replicate rapidly and, in many cases sloppily, giving rise to mutations that make them resistant to drugs. And for fast-moving viral infections like flu or a cold, a drug must be very powerful to make a difference before the disease runs its natural
How can we prevent this? To prevent antimicrobial resistance, you and your healthcare provider should discuss the appropriate medication for your illness and avoid overusing or misusing medicines. Strictly follow prescription medication directions and never share or take medicine that was prescribed for someone else. Communicate effectively with your healthcare provider, so that he or she has a clear understanding of your symptoms and can determine whether an antimicrobial drug, such as an antibiotic, is appropriate. Do not save your antibiotic for the next time you get sick; take all of the medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider. If the healthcare provider has prescribed more than the required dose, discard leftover medications once you have completed the prescribed course of treatment. Do not share your medication with another person.
Healthy lifestyle habits always go far in preventing illness, including proper diet, exercise, sleeping patterns, and good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing.
Feel free to make reactions or comments about your own experiences on antibiotics and you own viral diseases treatments and preventions.
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