U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Month
Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley | Medical Clinic
November is Antibiotic Awareness Month. Doctors use antibiotics to get rid of bad bacteria in our bodies when we are sick. They save millions of lives, but when they are taken the wrong way our bodies respond differently. Our bodies can build up a resistance or tolerance. Not following the instructions that your doctor or pharmacist give you can be dangerous.
At Chapa-De we prescribe antibiotics very carefully. We always want to make sure that you only receive antibiotics when they are absolutely necessary and that you receive the right type and dosage to treat your exact illness. This month, we join health professionals across the country in teaching patients about the use of antibiotics.
What is an antibiotic?
An antibiotic is a medicine that stops the growth and gets rid of harmful bacteria. Some antibiotics are effective against many different kinds of bacteria. Other types are designed to kill one type of bacteria. Antibiotics do not help when you have a virus.
Antibiotics help with bacterial infections, like:
- Strep Throat
- Some Ear Infections
- Sinus Infection
- Urinary Tract Infection
Antibiotics DO NOT help with:
- Common Cold & Runny Nose
- Flu (an antiviral medication is needed instead)
- Bronchitis
- Sore Throat (not caused by Strep)
Remember to only take antibiotics when prescribed by a doctor.
Click HERE to learn more about when you might need an antibiotic.
What is antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotic resistance occurs when you take too much of an antibiotic or do not follow the instructions given by your doctor. If you take antibiotics too often, your body builds up a tolerance. When you build up a tolerance to a certain type of medication, the antibiotic does not help your body kill bacteria.
To make sure you don’t develop resistance to an antibiotic, it is important to make sure you only take an antibiotic when you need to and that you take it as instructed by a doctor or pharmacist. This includes finishing your entire prescription even if you are feeling better.
Click HERE for more information on antibiotic resistance.
Side effects of antibiotics
There are good and bad kinds of bacteria in the body. We only use antibiotics to kill the bad bacteria. However, sometimes antibiotics can affect the good bacteria in your body. This can lead to:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion
- Click HERE to learn more about different side effects.
If you have any of these symptoms, you may also be allergic to the antibiotic you are taking. You should tell your doctor immediately if any of these symptoms happen.
Antibiotics only work when taken safely and correctly. Make sure to talk with your Chapa-De Healthcare Provider or Pharmacist if you have questions about your medications or prescriptions. For more information about Chapa-De’s pharmacy, call our Auburn location at (530) 887-2810 or our Grass Valley location at (530) 477-8545 or visit us online at chapa-de.org.
Chapa-De Pharmacy Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30am – 5:30pm
Closed for lunch from 12:30pm – 1:00pm
Microbiologysociety.org
Cdc.gov
Healthline.com
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Chapa-De provides medical care, dental care, optometry, behavioral health, pharmacy services and much more.
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Chapa-De Indian Healthcare Auburn Grass Valley