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Why Antibiotics Don’t Work for Every Fever and How Misuse Can Make Things Worse

Fever is a symptom, not a disease. It can occur due to viral infections, <span>bacterial infections</span> and several other conditions. Since <span>antibiotics</span> work only against bacteria, they are not useful for most viral fevers such as common cold or flu. 

Starting antibiotics without knowing the cause of fever may not improve the illness and can delay the right treatment. It can also cause side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, allergic reactions and other complications. 

<h2>The Growing Problem of <span rel="noindex">Antibiotic Resistance</span> </h2>

Unnecessary or incorrect use of antibiotics can contribute to <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/drug-resistant-ringworm-sees-threefold-rise-found-in-29-countries-cdc-article-156103380" data-type="tilCustomLink">antibiotic resistance</a>, where bacteria become less responsive to medicines. This can make future infections harder to treat and may require stronger medicines or longer treatment.

<h2>Don't Use Leftover or Someone Else's Antibiotics </h2>

Antibiotics prescribed for a previous illness may not be suitable for a new infection. Sharing medicines or taking leftover tablets can result in the wrong drug or dose and may be unsafe.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/icmr-study-shows-pune-dengue-mosquitoes-resist-insecticides-what-it-means-for-public-health-article-156126538" data-type="tilCustomLink">ICMR Study Shows Pune Dengue Mosquitoes Resistant To Insecticides: What It Means for Public Health</a>

Not every fever requires <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/fda-approves-new-breast-cancer-treatment-that-targets-resistance-before-cancer-progresses-article-156100654" data-type="tilCustomLink">antibiotics</a>, but persistent, severe or unusual symptoms should not be ignored. Medical evaluation is especially important when fever is accompanied by difficulty breathing, severe weakness, confusion, persistent vomiting, <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/that-3-pm-energy-crash-may-be-more-than-work-stress-are-you-missing-key-nutrients-article-156118975" data-type="tilCustomLink">dehydration</a>, severe pain, seizures or a rapidly worsening condition.

Young children, older adults and people with certain underlying health conditions may also need earlier medical attention.

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<h2>Treat the Cause, Not Just the Fever </h2>

The right approach is to identify the cause of the fever before deciding on treatment. A doctor may recommend an examination or tests when necessary. Antibiotics should be used only when they are medically indicated and prescribed appropriately.

<strong><em>By Vaibhav Gupta Senior Consultant, <span rel="noindex">Internal Medicine</span>, Regency Health Kanpur</em></strong>

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Fever is a symptom, not a disease. It can occur due to viral infections, bacterial infections and several other conditions. Since antibiotics work only against bacteria, they are not useful for most viral fevers such as common cold or flu. Starting antibiotics without knowing the cause of fever may not improve the illness and can delay the right treatment. It can also cause side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, allergic reactions and other complications. The Growing Problem of Antibiotic Resistance Unnecessary or incorrect use of antibiotics can contribute to antibiotic resistance, where bacteria become less responsive to medicines. This can make future infections harder to treat and may require stronger medicines or longer treatment.Don't Use Leftover or Someone Else's Antibiotics Antibiotics prescribed for a previous illness may not be suitable for a new infection. Sharing medicines or taking leftover tablets can result in the wrong drug or dose and may be unsafe.Also read: ICMR Study Shows Pune Dengue Mosquitoes Resistant To Insecticides: What It Means for Public HealthWhen Should You See a Doctor? Not every fever requires antibiotics, but persistent, severe or unusual symptoms should not be ignored. Medical evaluation is especially important when fever is accompanied by difficulty breathing, severe weakness, confusion, persistent vomiting, dehydration, severe pain, seizures or a rapidly worsening condition.Young children, older adults and people with certain underlying health conditions may also need earlier medical attention.                   Treat the Cause, Not Just the Fever The right approach is to identify the cause of the fever before deciding on treatment. A doctor may recommend an examination or tests when necessary. Antibiotics should be used only when they are medically indicated and prescribed appropriately.By Vaibhav Gupta Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Regency Health Kanpur

why antibiotics don’t work for every fever and how misuse can make things worse

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