That Antibiotics Do Not Treat Flu (NAPSA)—Flu season is upon us and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) wants patients and families to remember that prescription antiviral drugs, not antibiotics, are the treatmentfor influenza (flu). Antibiotics do nottreat viruses that cause colds and theflu. They are only neededfortreating certain infections caused by bacteria. Rememberthat the best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu is by getting your annualflu vaccine. It’s nottoolate to get vaccinated. KNOW WHAT’S GOT YOU SICK Viruses cause infectionslike the com- moncold, flu, runny noses and mostsore throats, and none ofthese are treated with antibiotics. Illnesses like strep throat, pneumonia and whooping cough are examples ofillnesses caused by bacteria that can be treated with antibiotics. ANTIBIOTICS AREN’T ALWAYS THE ANSWER If you havetheflu, taking antibiotics wonthelp to treat yourflu illness. It is important to remember that any time you take antibiotics it can lead to antibiotic resistance and cause sideeffects. Antibiotic resistance is one of the most urgent threats to the public’s health and occurs when bacteria becomeresis- Children and adults 65 years and older are most susceptible to the flu, but vaccinations can protect you and your family. 1) Get vaccinated. Everyone 6 months or older should get a yearly flu vaccine. 2) Stop the spread of germsby avoiding close contact with sick people. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Clean your handsoften with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water. 3) Ifyou get sick, take antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them. FIND OUT HOW TO FEEL BETTER Most healthy people with the flu have mildillness and recoverin less than two weeks without needing medical care or What’s got you sick? Common Condition Antibiotics Needed? Strep throat Yes Whooping cough Yes Urinary tract infection Yes Sinus infection ~ Maybe Middle ear infection V4 Maybe Bronchitis/chest cold (in iz 2. < otherwise healthy children and adults)* Common cold/runny nose SA No Sore throat (except strep) Vv No Flu SA No * Studies showthat in otherwise healthy children and adults, antibiotics for bronchitis won’t help you feel better. BQ tant to the antibiotics designed to kill them. Antibiotic side effects range from antiviral drugs. If you get sick with flu yeast infections—to very severe health problems, e.g., life-threatening allergic reactions or Clostridium difficile infection (also called C. difficile or C. diff), which causes diarrhea that can lead to severe colon damageor death. people except to get medical care. minor—e.g., rash, dizziness, nausea, When a patient needs antibiotics, the benefits outweigh the risks of side effects. Antibiotics save lives and are critical tools for treating a number of commoninfections like pneumonia and life-threatening conditionslike sepsis. PROTECT YOURSELF FROM INFLUENZA(FLU) You can protect yourself and others from the flu in three steps. symptoms, in most cases, you should stay home and avoid contact with other If, however, you have flu symptoms and are at high risk of having compli- cations from flu, or are very sick or worried about your illness, contact yourhealthcare professional. Your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs to treat yourillness. People at high risk of having complications from flu include young children, people 65 years of age and older, pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions. Visit www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use for information on antibiotic prescribing and use, and visit www.cdc.gov/flu for information abouttheflu.
