
In part 1 we reviewed how antibiotics work, part 2 what biofilms are and their role in antibiotic resistance. In part 3 we will review:
- When antibiotics are needed and when they aren’t appropriate
- Distinguish between an allergic reaction to an antibiotic and the symptoms the infection is treating
When antibiotics are needed and when they aren’t appropriate
Antibiotic stewardship is one of the most pressing health issues of our time. As pathogens mutate and evade antibiotic therapy, we are forced to use more potent antibiotics. The use of antibiotics when not necessary is leading to devastating consequences. Antibiotic resistance, AKA antimicrobial resistance happens when germs like bacteria or fungi no longer respond to the drugs designed to kill them. According to the CDC: “About 47 million antibiotic courses are prescribed for infections that don’t need antibiotics, like colds and the flu, in U.S. doctors’ offices and emergency departments each year. That’s about 28% of all antibiotics prescribed in these settings.”
In the U.S., more than 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections occur each year. A list of the antimicrobial resistant infections are listed on the CDC website. Some are familiar to the general population such as MRSA- Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and VRE- Vancomycin resistant Enterococci. Some not so familiar-Drug resistant Candida and Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter for example. A full list of CDCs watchlist can be found here.
Antibiotics are indicated when:
A bacteria or fungal infection has taken over the body, either systemically (in the body) or topically-skin and tissues. Entry points can be a break in the skin, respiratory inhalation, eyes. Ears, mouth, urogenital route, or ingestion. They are not needed in all cases, sometimes our body can fight off the infection. If you own a Jase case check with your care provider when in question. They are not appropriate for viral illnesses such as colds, flu, covid, etc. Sometimes a viral infection will lower the body’s immune defenses allowing an opportunistic bacterial or fungal infection to take over as in the case of a viral pneumonia to bacterial pneumonia. At that point an antibiotic may be needed.

Distinguish between an allergic reaction to an antibiotic and the symptoms the infection is treating
Penicillin, the most commonly reported antibiotic allergy is less common than believed to be.
This is a great you tube video on penicillin allergies
According to the CDC: Although 10% of the population in the U.S. reports a penicillin allergy, less than 1% of the population is truly penicillin allergic.
The difference between a side effect and allergy
Side effects to antibiotics
- Nausea, vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Mild rash
- Photosensitivity
- Vaginal yeast infection
- Thrush
Allergic reaction to antibiotics- Seek medical care immediately
- Severe rash/hives
- Peeling skin
- Anaphylactic reactions such as:
- Respiratory distress/wheezing
- Throat closing/tightness
- Brooke Lounsbury
Medical Content Writer
Lifesaving Medications
Recent Posts
Keeping you informed and safe.
Popular Pesticide That Was Recently Banned Associated With Type 2 Diabetes
(This is part 1 of a series on diabetes, other parts will delve into labs, testing, prevention and management of diabetes) A recent study revealed that Thai farmers exposed to different pesticides found an association between 3 different pesticides and onset of type 2...
The Ongoing Adderall Shortage
The ongoing Adderall shortage seems to have no end. Teva, the largest manufacturer of Adderall, is experiencing “ongoing intermittent manufacturing delays” due to increased demand. Every year, the DEA sets a quota — a limit on the amount of raw materials for many...
My Reasons for ordering Jase Daily
I recently went through the process of ordering my yearly supply of prescription medicine through Jase Daily. I received my medication over the weekend and am impressed. From the ordering process to communication, every step of the way the process was streamlined and...