How to Talk to Your Provider About Antibiotics
If you don’t feel well, you may think you need antibiotics. We sat down with pediatrician Timothy R. Shope, MD, MPH, to discuss why it’s important to use antibiotics only when necessary and appropriate. Here’s what you need to know.
when to use antibiotics
this CDC Says you should only take antibiotics when needed. Antibiotics can only treat certain infections caused by bacteria.These include illnesses such as strep throat, whooping cough, or urinary tract infections [1].
When not to use antibiotics
Antibiotics do not treat viruses that cause [1]:
- cold and runny nose
- most sore throats
- influenza
- most types of chest colds
The dangers of overuse of antibiotics
You must use antibiotics as prescribed. If you don’t, there could be serious consequences.
“Using too many antibiotics for the wrong reasons can make antibiotics less effective,” says Shope. “If too many antibiotics are prescribed or if they are prescribed for too long, the bacteria can mutate over time and become resistant to the antibiotics.”
When you are sick, your doctor will determine the best course of treatment.please remember Antibiotics don’t work against viruses. Shope warns: “Providers can’t give antibiotics just because someone needs them. We have to consider benefits and risks. There are benefits, but only for certain conditions. The common cold is caused by a virus, so antibiotics won’t work on it.”
know the consequences
Using antibiotics for the wrong reasons contributes to what is known as antibiotic resistance.Infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria are hard to treat [2].
They may need to:
- Extended hospital stay.
- Additional follow-up doctor visits.
- Expensive and toxic alternatives.
How to talk to your provider about when you need antibiotics
You and your provider can work together. While your provider takes the lead, you also play an important role. Your role is to understand your symptoms and communicate them to your provider. This will help your provider determine the correct course of treatment.
“I use the information I get from patients to determine if antibiotics are needed,” explains Shope. “Thinking about why you are going to a provider before a visit allows you to recall your symptoms and provide a valid medical history to allow the provider to make the best decision.”
Precautions for using antibiotics
Do:
Consider what’s going on before your visit. Doing so will prepare you to answer these questions:
how are you feeling?
- What is causing the problem?
- How long has this been going on?
- What are your symptoms?
Trust your supplier. There are questions you can ask your provider about antibiotics. He or she is someone trained to make decisions about your care.
“You go to the vendor and ask them to use their training to make the really best decision,” Shope said. “It’s like taking your car to the mechanic. There’s a bit of mystery there. You’re relying on the experience of the person who tells you what the diagnosis is and what treatment you need. You have to trust the relationship and know that the provider will take your Decisions are made with the best interest in mind.”
No:
Say you need antibiotics. Again, your provider is the best person to determine the care you need. This includes whether you need antibiotics.
“Patients should not expect to receive antibiotics,” Shope said. “Providers always consider the need for antibiotics and weigh the individual benefits of antibiotics against potential side effects.”
how to get help
Get help as soon as you need it.knowing where to will help you get what you need quickly.
Talk to your doctor or health care concierge
you should always talk to your provider About drugs. This includes antibiotics. Asking questions is part of working with your provider.
If you have coverage questions, please call Healthcare Concierge Team The number on your member ID card. Team members will help you understand your coverage.
If you need to find a primary care provider or need care, you can search my health online.
[1] Precautions for antibiotics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated October 6, 2021. Accessed July 5, 2022. cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/community/about/can-do.html
[2] About antibiotic resistance. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated November 9, 2021. Accessed July 5, 2022. cdc.gov/drugresistance/about.html
