January - March, 2003

Ask the Pharmacist
By Christy Wiebe, Pharm.D., St. John's Pharmacies

Test your antibiotic IQ

By now, you’ve probably seen a few articles or heard news stories about the growing problem of antibiotic resistance in our communities. Here’s your chance to test your knowledge about the proper use of antibiotics. Answer each question, (no peeking!), and then read about the correct choice at the right of the page.

Question 1: Antibiotics should be used to treat:
a) The common cold or flu virus
b) Chicken pox
c) Bacterial infections like pneumonia or strep throat
d) All of the above

Question 2: If I start feeling sick I should:
a) Call my doctor and ask him to call in an antibiotic prescription for me.
b) Take over-the-counter medicines for my symptoms, drink plenty of fluids, and get some rest.
c) Schedule an appointment with my doctor if I still feel bad after five to seven days or develop a high fever.
d) Both B and C

Question 3: Using antibiotics when they are not needed can:
a) Cause bacteria germs to become resistant to the antibiotic and make them difficult to treat in the future.
b) Produce unnecessary side effects or even an allergic reaction.
c) Cost me more money.
d) All of the above

Question 4: If I DO have a bacterial infection and my doctor prescribes an antibiotic, I should:
a) Stop taking the antibiotic as soon as I start feeling better and save the rest for when I feel sick again.
b) Finish the entire prescription, regardless of when I start feeling better.
c) Take half of the prescription and share the other half with someone else, just in case they start getting sick too.
d) Always avoid antibiotics because they probably won’t work anyway.

Question 5: To help prevent getting sick this winter I should:
a) Decrease stress, get plenty of rest, and eat a well-balanced diet.
b) Get a flu shot and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
c) Use good hygiene like regular hand washing, especially before eating and after using the restroom.
d) All of the above


Answers:
Question 1: C.
Antibiotics should only be used to treat bacterial infections like pneumonia, strep throat, and others. Infections like chicken pox, flu or the common cold are caused by viruses. Antibiotics have no power over viruses. Taking an antibiotic for a viral infection will not cure the infection or help you feel better, will not help you return to not keep others from catching your illness. Instead, it will increase your risk of getting an antibiotic resistant infection.
Question 2: D.
Do not insist that your doctor call in an antibiotic prescription for you whenever you start feeling sick. Many common infections are caused by viruses and will get better on their own in seven to 14 days. Taking OTC medicines for symptoms, drinking fluids, and getting plenty of rest can help you get over a viral infection more quickly.
Question 3: D.
Using antibiotics when they are not needed can be harmful in many ways. They can cause resistant germs to develop and spread throughout the community. Some of these germs can then cause illnesses that will be difficult to treat with typical antibiotics. Antibiotics can also cause unwanted side effects and allergic reactions in some people—risks that can be avoided if an antibiotic isn’t needed.
Question 4: B.
Whenever your doctor feels that you have a bacterial infection and antibiotics are truly needed, always finish your entire antibiotic prescription, even after you start feeling better. If you only take part of the prescription, some bacteria will be left in your body and will become resistant to the antibiotic you were taking. Those bacteria might cause you or others to become sick with an infection that is harder to treat. Never save antibiotics for later and never share your antibiotics with others.
Question 5: D.
Prevention is always the best medicine. Following these sensible tips can help you stay healthy this winter.