Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureas (MRSA), a bacterium resistant to certain antibiotics, has been in
the news recently. The medical team at UHS is well prepared to evaluate students for the possibility of MRSA and
treat appropriately. To visit, see
Appointment or Walk-in.
How UHS clinicians prescribe antibiotics The way clinicians prescribe antibiotics can be
confusing. Why do they prescribe them at some times but not at others, and for one patient but not the next?
Antibiotics have been extremely effective and often lifesaving in the treatment of some infectious diseases, but they don't cure
all illnesses and can sometimes even cause significant medical problems. Therefore, it is important that antibiotics are administered
appropriately.
UHS clinicians have seen some unfortunate complications of innappropriate antibiotic use and, as a result, try to discriminate in
using these potent medications. Antibiotics are prescribed when appropriate but are not used when dealing with a viral infection where
the medication will do no good and has the potential for significant harm. While it is tempting for individuals to look for a quick
and easy cure when ill, more often than not antibiotics are not the answer.
That said, if you have visited UHS for medical care but continue to feel ill or develop additional symptoms, please contact UHS for
follow-up. See Further information.
Antibiotics fight bacterial (not viral) infections Antibiotics typically are effective against
bacteria but not against viruses. Therefore, antibiotics do not
help in viral illnesses such as measles, mumps and common colds.
Studies have shown that the vast majority of infectious diseases
in college-age patients are viral rather than bacterial infections.
Even bronchitis and walking pneumonia are most commonly viral in
nature in this age group. (In practice, antibiotics are often used
to treat these infections because differentiating between bacterial
and viral infections is difficult.) Although researchers are attempting
to develop new categories of drugs to combat viral diseases, few
drugs are currently available.
Clinicians use clinical history, examination and laboratory tests
to distinguish between viral and bacterial infections. Patients
with bacterial infections generally appear more acutely ill, often
displaying shaking, chills and high fever, and their white blood
cell counts are high. Clinicians may use cultures from the throat,
sputum, urine or blood to identify the bacteria along with its antibiotic
sensitivity. This information helps the clinician choose an antibiotic
that will be effective.
Complications of antibiotic use include the following:
Allergic reactions are the most familiar complication.
You can develop an allergy at any time, even if you have safely
used the antibiotic in the past. Prior use is not a guarantee
that a person will not develop an allergic response. Most allergic
reactions to antibiotics are relatively minor skin reactions.
However, occasionally life-threatening allergic reactions occur,
with swelling of the throat and difficulty breathing. If you think you are having an allergic reaction, stop
taking the medication and contact your clinician (see Further
information).
Impact on body balance Antibiotics cannot distinguish
between normal body bacteria and disease-causing bacteria. The
result is often a disturbance in the natural balance of organisms,
which may lead to severe diarrhea or, more commonly, yeast vaginitis
in women. Other complications may arise from the side effects
of certain antibiotics. For example, erythromycin, a very commonly
prescribed antibiotic, may often cause gastrointestinal upset
that is sometimes worse than the original problem for which the
antibiotic was prescribed.
Bacterial resistance Many people mistakenly
believe that people can “get used to” an antibiotic.
This is not the case, but bacteria can develop resistance to an
antibiotic. The more antibiotics are used, the more resistance
is evident. Some bacteria are virtually resistant to all known
antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance has become a major concern
in the US, as well as in certain developing countries where antibiotics
are available without prescription. Researchers are developing
new antibiotics, but other strategies must be sought to eventually
halt resistance. In countries where antibiotics use is limited,
bacteria have become more sensitive to antibiotics.
Take your antibiotic as instructed by your clinician or pharmacist.
Take an antibiotic until all the medication is gone.
Take an antibiotic only for the condition for which it is prescribed.
Certain antibiotics may interact with food or other medications
or may make you more sensitive to sunlight or cause dizziness.
Consult your clinician or pharmacist if you are unsure about such
interactions.
Alert your clinician or pharmacist to any new medical conditions
that arise during your antibiotic therapy.
Never share antibiotics with friends or family.
Do not take expired antibiotics.
Further information
For medical advice:
During open hours, call your clinician,
or Nurse Advice Line at 734-763-4511, or for gynecological
concerns, the Gynecology
Clinic at 734-763-9184.
After hours: If your situation is not life threatening but you
have an urgent health care concern that cannot wait until UHS
opens, call our answering service at 734-662-5674.
For information about antibiotics or other medicines, call the
UHS Pharmacy at 734-764-7387.
