ANTIBIOTICS BY: MAKAYLA BACON

WHAT ARE ANTIBIOTICS? Antibiotics are a group of medicine that are used to treat infections caused by germs. They do not work against infections that are caused by viruses. Antibiotics are sometimes called antibacterials or antimicrobials, but mostly their just called antibiotics.

WHY DO PEOPLE NEED ANTIBIOTICS? Usually, people that who need antibiotics have bacterial infections. Ex: bacteria and certain parasites But are normally only prescribed for more serious bacterial infections Ex: pneumonia

HOW DO ANTIBIOTICS WORK? Some antibiotics work by killing germs. This is often done by interfering with the structure of the cell wall of the bacterium,or parasite. Some work by stopping bacteria or the parasite from multiplying.

WHEN ARE ANTIBIOTICS USUALLY PRESCRIBED? Antibiotics are normally only prescribes for more serious infections with germs. If you have a mild bacterial infection, the immune system can clear most bacterial infections.

WHEN TAKING AN ANTIBIOTIC It is very important to take antibiotics correctly, if you do not, this may reduce how well they work. Ex: antibiotics need to be taken with food and others should be taken on an empty stomach, and always take the entire course of antibiotics as directed by your doctor, even if you feel better.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE-EFFECTS? There are a list of side-effects that have been reported with each of the different antibiotics. Common side-effects include soft stools, diarrhea, or mild stomach upset such as feeling sick. Less commonly, some people have an allergic reaction to an antibiotic and some have died from a severe allergic reaction, but this is very rare.

CAN I BUY ANTIBIOTICS & WHAT IS THE USUAL LENGTH OF TREATMENT? You can only available from your chemist, with a doctor’s prescription. The length of treatment varies depending on what kind of infection you have, how severe it is and how quickly you get better after starting treatment. Treatment can be- Few days, one or two weeks, few months, or even for many months.

WHAT ARE SOME REASONS YOU CAN’T TAKE ANTIBIOTICS It is not common for anyone not to be able to take some type of antibiotic. One main reason why you may not be able to take an antibiotic is if you have had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic in the past. Even if you have had an allergic reaction to one antibiotic before, your doctor will usually be able to choose a different type of antibiotic, which you will be able to take.

FACTS NEVER take antibiotics without a prescription! If you have antibiotics left over from a time when you were sick, or needed them, do not take them unless your doctor tells you its okay. Never take more than what is prescribed for you to take a day.

HOW CAN YOU PREVENT CATCHING AN INFECTION You can prevent catching an infection by washing you hands. No matter what your age, talk to your doctor to see if you are caught up with all of your immunizations. You should also make sure you get a flu shot annually to protect yourself from influenza, and if you are in the group of people who need one like children, elders, and pregnant women you should get the pneumococcal vaccine, as well. It can help protect you against pneumonia. Remember even though a flu shot is one of the best ways to avoid the flu, the vaccines aren't always 100% effective.

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REFERENCE PAGE "Antibiotics: MedlinePlus." U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 05 May "Antibiotics: When They Can and Can't Help." Antibiotics: When They Can and Can't Help. N.p., 01 May Web. 05 May Steckelberg, James M., M.D. "Consumer Health." Antibiotics and Alcohol. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2015.

QUIZ 1.What are antibiotics? a)Candy b)a group of medicine that are used to treat infections caused by germs. c)Germs 2. Antibiotics do not work against what? a)Viruses b)Bacteria c)Flu 3.Why do people need antibiotics? a)have bacterial infections b)Allergies c)None of the above 4. Never take antibiotics without a what? a)Parent b)Prescription c)job 5. Do you stop taking antibiotics as soon as you feel better? a)Yes b) Maybe c) No, always take the entire course of antibiotics as directed by your doctor, even if you feel better.