ANTIBIOTICS AND VIRL
INFECTIONS We have been taking
ANTIBIOTICS for the viral infections. The thinking
now is that, the
antibiotics do not cure the viral
infections, but on the other hand, their use leads to killing of the protective bacteria in our body. This is discussed in Times of India of Dec 09, 07. The antibiotics give a harmful effect, instead of a curative effect. It is said to be a wrong prescription for this ailment, leading to side effects. Analysis leads to three reasons for this type of prescriptions. The patients put pressure on the doctors to give drugs, so that they get a sense of security, and a trust in this doctor. Also the doctors are not giving adequate time for examining and hearing the patients, thus leading to poor diagnosis. Lastly, the pharmaceutical companies put pressure on the doctors, to help in increasing their sales. The diagnosis of viral infections is through symptoms, and in difficult cases, through blood tests and cultures. Drugs for viral infection are antiviral drugs, which interfere in the process of the replication of the virus. Most of the bacteria in our body are protective to our system. Antibiotics will also kill the bacteria required by the body, and also make such bacteria immune to antibiotics. Viruses cause problems like sore throat, sinusitis, common cold, influenza etc. Hence it is necessary to be cautious about the use of antibiotics.