Why are antibiotics not effective against viruses?

In a world that seems at times to be plagued by sickness, understanding the different treatments available for various ailments can help us all feel a little more in control. One common misconception is that antibiotics can cure any kind of infection, but unfortunately this simply isn’t true – particularly when it comes to viruses.

Here we’ll explore why antibiotics aren’t effective against viral infections and what other options exist for those suffering from colds, flu, and other virus-related maladies.

What are Antibiotics?

Before we dive into why they don’t work on certain types of infections, let’s take a step back to understand what antibiotics actually are (these tiny superheroes on our shelves)

Antibiotics are essentially drugs designed to fight bacterial infections within the human body. Usually administered via prescription by your doctor or healthcare provider (most physicians recommend completing any prescribed course), these medicines come in many forms including tablets or capsules taken orally as well as creams applied topically.

The reason doctors prescribe antibiotic medication is because they contain chemicals capable of either killing bacteria outright or stopping them from multiplying further thus eventually eliminating harmful pathogens altogether (bye bye germs!).

The Issue with Viral Infections

Unfortunately though while most people assume taking an antibiotic for their illness will speed up their recovery time (getting better faster sounds great right?), treating waste-causing symptoms such as coughing and fever solely with an antibiotic won’t make you recover faster since most illnesses like influenza (the flu) , measles ,cold etc.,are caused by viruses [1]

Bacterial cells differ greatly from viral cells meaning that whilst killing bacteria using something like penicillin might do the trick; try giving someone with rhinovirus (common cold) some penicillin and there would be no real effect whatsoever on the virus.

While both bacterial and viral cell components comprise DNA/RNA, proteins, and other molecules their components differ widely (like, imagine trying to put a horse saddle on a goldfish 😂😂). This means that whilst some bacterial cells might be stopped in their tracks by exposure to certain proteins or chemicals found within antibiotics, any boost would be minimal in fighting the virus.

Why Antibiotics Are Ineffective Against Coronavirus

However well-intentioned our attempts at finding cures may be; viruses such as COVID-19 are unique in both composition and structure. Essentially they’re much simpler than bacteria contain fewer proteins (no cell wall) , genetic code etc.,meaning there’s no way antibiotics could fight them off .

At one point, people were taking antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu for coronavirus treatment. This is due again to the fact that this medication fights viral symptoms by building immunity once its taken into the system[2].This just highlights how important it is to understand precisely what kind of illness you’re dealing with before trying any remedies!

If we try using antibiotics inefficiently or under wrong circumstances it can lead up to antibiotic resistance –a situation where infectious agents like bacteria can make ourselves immune from your ‘antibacterial weaponry’ ,making illness impossible cure completely (yup sorta like Godzilla becoming resistant against missiles)! Do remember BIOMES!!!, destroying present microbiota along with harmful.

Antibiotic also have key disadvantages which include:

1.They May Have Side Effects:

Like many medications, antibiotic use could lead up unwanted side effects.(watch out!!!). Some common adverse reactions reported include yeast infections and allergic reactions including rashes—which not only cause discomfort but require additional medication usage requiring more expense!.

2.Lack of Accessibility:

Another issue with depending upon these readily available yet ineffective treatments too heavily is the potential harm caused by neglecting other methods of prevention s(chest cough) (which may not even require medication). These include hygiene routines, face mask usage which are proven effective against respiratory infections like flu and COVID-19.

3.Impact on Global Health

Aside from harming people individually by exposing them to Pseudomonal colonization , MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) or other drug-resistant germs; there’s also the broader impact of antibiotic resistance as a whole. Affecting public health globally this pans out to involve everything from food safety issues all the way to infection control in hospitals!

Management of Viral Infections

Management for viral diseases will often depend upon specific symptoms but aren’t generally resolved with antibiotics! Here some popular simple ways would be have you feeling better again in no time without relying solely on ineffective remedial measures:

1.Rest and Hydration :

The next step is simply allowing your body enough rest so that it can more effectively fight off whatever viruses alongside proper hydration i.e., intake of enough fluid (6-8 glasses daily).

2.Medication:

While most antiviral medications won’t speed up the removal process;they work by enhancing immunity response preventing sickness becoming too severe yet enhancing healing.

Acetaminophen/ibuprofen–Pain relievers such as Tylenol or ibuprofencan ease fever(fever stays till around day7)[3] .

Dextromethorphan— Which affects cough centers within our brain reducing urge to cough during illness.(hence productive hacking ceases)

Zinc Supplements — This mineral has been seen efffective fighting cold symptoms especially when administered at early stages (Found em good ol munchies Walnuts seeds etc..)

Conclusion:

So whether we’re dealing with ailments brought on by bacteria,fungi,protozoa or viruses themselves— key takeaway requires us ensuring precise diagnosis of what infection is plaguing our system; and seeking medical attention from licensed professionals that can treat accordingly. While it may not seem as ‘EZ’ (easy); knowing when antibiotics are most effectively used along with taking basic steps hygiene (wearing face masks) goes a long way to promoting overal health amongst us all in the long run! So stay healthy everyone!

References

[1] https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/antibiotics, \
(2) https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/22/us/coronavirus-antiviral-whats-available-explainer-trnd/index.html.,\
(3)https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/zinc-and-colds

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