Health Info > Fevers Published on : January 10, 2024

Antibiotic Resistance

By Kimberley Edwards, MSN, FNP-C

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This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice or diagnosis. If you have health concerns, consult an AHPRA-registered telehealth GP or request a medical certificate online if clinically appropriate.

The World Health Organization has declared that one of the greatest threats to global health, food security, and the development of new antibiotics is antibiotic resistance (Antibiotic resistance, 2020). When bacteria and fungi develop the ability to defeat the medication that is used to eradicate them, this results in antibiotic resistance (also known as antimicrobial resistance (About antibiotic resistance, 2022). For decades, the media has been discussing the dangers of antibiotic resistance. The scrutiny over antibiotic resistance given by the media has not only alerted the general public to the causes of antibiotic resistance but also to the severity of the problem and possible solutions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when bacteria and fungi develop it impacts the ability to defeat the medication that is used to eradicate them. This results in antibiotic resistance (also known as antimicrobial resistance (About antibiotic resistance, 2022). Antibiotic resistance poses one of the greatest risks to world health today. To cause a health threat, bacteria and fungi do not need to be resistant to all antibiotics, resistance to just one antibiotic can result in serious problems.

Dr Vishnu Gopalan (MBBS, FRACGP & Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer) explains:

Hey doc, do I really need to finish the whole packet of antibiotics even if I already feel better? It is always advisable to finish the pack. Every antibiotic has a number designed in a pack for a particular reason. Sometimes you may start to feel better halfway during the pack or two or three days after you have started taking the antibiotics and still there's about five or six tablets left to take. It is definitely advisable to complete the pack because completing the pack means that the antibiotic is able to kill any residual infection so that you don't have a recurrence of symptoms and you're treated in an appropriate and adequate manner.

What Is The Difference Between Bacterial Infections And Viral Infections?

To put it simply, bacteria cause bacterial infections, and viruses cause viral infections. Both bacterial infections and viral infections will often present with many of the same symptoms; however, it can be difficult for your healthcare provider to recognise when a person has a bacterial infection versus a viral infection. Bacterial infections and viral infections must be treated differently since antibiotics will not cure bacterial infections. Using antibiotics to treat viral infections will not cure viral infections and contributes to the development of antibiotic resistance.

How Does My Doctor Know If I have A Bacterial Infection Or A Viral Infection?

Differentiating between bacterial and viral infections can be difficult for the most skilled healthcare provider. For example, our primary care provider may order a urine sample to rule out a urinary tract infection, a swab of your sputum to determine a respiratory tract infection, a throat swab for strep throat, or a wound swab to confirm a wound infection. Your primary healthcare provider will often order the culture first before starting an antibiotic to verify the presence of a bacterial infection and to determine the correct antibiotic to be prescribed. Starting antibiotics before obtaining a culture can make it difficult to identify the offending organism and ensure that the patient has been prescribed the correct antibiotics. Need medical advice? Speak to an online doctor in Australia today!

How Are Viral Infections Treated?

For some viral infections, your healthcare provider may provide you with a prescription for an antiviral. An antiviral medication can shorten the duration of an illness and decrease the severity of the symptoms. Two common antivirals are those that are used to treat influenza and Covid-19. Unfortunately, viral infections such as herpes are considered to be chronic (long-term) illnesses and that an antiviral cannot clear the body of the virus. When prescribed an antiviral, the timing of the medication will determine its effectiveness. When prescribed an antiviral for influenza, it is most effective when taken within 48 hours of being exposed to influenza and should be taken for 10 days. For an antiviral to be effective in treating Covid 19, it should be taken within 5 days of the onset of symptoms.

What Is A Secondary Bacterial Infection?

In some patients with viral infections, the patient can develop a secondary bacterial infection requiring antibiotics. Common examples of secondary bacterial infections are pneumonia, ear infections, and sinusitis. When symptoms of a viral infection last more than 10 to 14 days, when a fever worsens a few days into the illness, or when the illness has persisted beyond 10 to 14 days, it is safe to assume that a bacterial infection has occurred after a viral infection. This is when it is appropriate to start the patient on a course of oral antibiotics. When starting antibiotics, it is vital that you take the entire course and do not stop taking them simply because you are feeling better. If you are feeling better, this means that you have been prescribed the correct antibiotic for your bacterial infection.

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Note: Telehealth is not suitable for all conditions. Hola Health does not replace your regular GP, specialist, or emergency services. If you are unsure whether telehealth is right for your situation, we recommend speaking with your usual healthcare provider. In emergencies, call 000.

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Disclaimer

This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not indicate that Hola Health provides all treatments or preventive measures mentioned. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. For emergencies please immediately contact 000. Any medical topics discussed are intended to educate, not to imply availability through Hola Health. Hola Health's telehealth services facilitate access to AHPRA-registered healthcare professionals in Australia; however, a telehealth consultation is not equivalent to an in-person medical examination. Telehealth may not be appropriate for all conditions, symptoms, or circumstances.

Antibiotic Resistance

Contents

What Is The Difference Between Bacterial Infections And Viral Infections?

How Does My Doctor Know If I have A Bacterial Infection Or A Viral Infection?

How Are Viral Infections Treated?

What Is A Secondary Bacterial Infection?

Consult an AHPRA-registered practitioner online, anytime

How Hola Health may be able to help

Consult an AHPRA-registered practitioner online, anytime

See a Aussie GP online, available 24/7

Providing consult for

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