Is This Symptom Caused by a Virus or Bacteria?

As we enter the changing seasons, the weather around us undergoes significant changes—from hot to rainy, from rainy to cold, and from cold back to hot. This makes it easy for people, especially young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, to catch a cold. When experiencing cold symptoms, many people mistakenly believe they need to take antibiotics every time.

However, the use of antibiotics to treat a cold is only necessary in cases where there is a cold accompanied by inflammation. So, which type of cold requires antibiotics and which does not?
Have you ever wondered why no matter how many medications you take, your illness doesn’t improve? It could be because you are dealing with drug-resistant bacteria.

            Assoc. Prof. Dr. Niyada Kiattiangthong, Manager of the Drug Surveillance and Development Center (GPH) shared with us that the factors contributing to the worsening situation of drug resistance are not just a problem in Thailand; it is a global issue. This involves various factors, including the awareness and understanding of health personnel, particularly regarding food or environmental factors. It is quite difficult for the public to be aware of the residual presence of antibiotics. Therefore, we emphasize that integration is crucial.

Dr. Supreeda Adulayanont, Manager of the Health Promotion Fund (ThaiHealth) stated that since the Thai population lacks sufficient knowledge and understanding about drug resistance, there is a strong commitment to address the issue of drug resistance, which is currently a significant problem. ThaiHealth has collaborated with the Drug Surveillance and Development Center (GPH) to raise public awareness about drug resistance from the community level to the national level. This year, ThaiHealth and its network are united in declaring their intention to tackle the crisis of drug resistance to raise awareness and alertness among the public to use antibiotics rationally.

How to Self-Diagnose Whether Your Illness is Caused by a Virus or Bacteria

Caused by a Virus    Symptoms usually include a runny nose, cough, and may involve throat irritation or soreness, or hoarseness.

Treatment  A cold caused by a virus can resolve on its own with adequate rest, keeping warm, and drinking plenty of fluids. It may take 5 to 7 days for symptoms to improve. It is recommended to gargle with saline to prevent subsequent bacterial infections.

Caused by Bacteria: You Must Have 3 Out of the 4 Following Symptoms

1. Swollen tonsils or presence of pus.

2. Swollen lymph nodes under the jaw that are tender to touch.

3. Fever (above 38 degrees Celsius).

4. No cough.

Treatment  Consult a pharmacist or see a doctor to diagnose whether antibiotics are necessary.

Proper Use of Antibiotics
1. Each type of antibiotic must be taken continuously for a certain period to completely eliminate the bacteria. The duration may vary depending on the type of medication.

2. Some antibiotics have special precautions, such as needing to be taken at least 15 to 30 minutes before meals, while others should not be taken with milk or antacids as they can interfere with absorption. Always read the label before using medication.

Consequences of Improper Antibiotic Use

1. Taking antibiotics creates opportunities for antibiotic-resistant bacteria to develop in the body, as antibiotics can eliminate both harmful and beneficial bacteria. The surviving bacteria can mutate into drug-resistant strains. Unnecessary or inappropriate use of antibiotics can lead to the emergence of superbugs—bacteria that are resistant to treatment.

2. Increased risk of allergic reactions; some patients have severe allergic reactions to antibiotics, which can be fatal.

3. Frequent antibiotic use in infants and young children increases the risk of obesity and overweight.

Basic Health Care and Prevention

1. Drink plenty of water.

2. Gargle with saline.

3. Nasal irrigation.

4. Get adequate rest.

5. Exercise regularly.

6. Eat hot food, use serving utensils, wash hands.

7. Wear a mask.

            In terms of campaigning for prevention, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kamthorn Malathum, President of the Infectious Disease Association of Thailand told us that the public must be made aware, as awareness will drive action. When pharmacists or doctors prescribe medication, they will consider whether to prescribe antibiotics when faced with the question of whether the illness is viral or bacterial. At the same time, we need to campaign within the professional community as well. Many pharmacists and doctors are starting to become aware, and there is increasing alertness, but we believe there is still much work to be done. The awareness of doctors, pharmacists, and regulations regarding the control of the free sale of antibiotics must be reconsidered to determine how to limit excessive use without obstructing public access to medications.

Nevertheless, the irrational use of antibiotics is one of the causes leading to severe drug resistance issues that impact lives, healthcare costs for the country, and increase the risk of adverse reactions from antibiotic use. Drug resistance is a significant health threat to the country. Addressing the issue of irrational drug use requires ongoing efforts and the use of various measures and strategies, necessitating collaboration from all sectors to resolve the problem of irrational antibiotic use for effective and safe medication use. As defined by the World Health Organization, “the use of medications that are appropriate to the patient’s needs, in the right dosage for the body’s condition, for an adequate duration, and at the lowest cost to the patient and community.”

Therefore, antibiotics should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor and only for illnesses caused by bacteria. The Health Promotion Fund (ThaiHealth), in collaboration with the Drug Surveillance and Development Center (GPH) and partner networks, aims to enhance public health literacy regarding the proper use of antibiotics.

Thanks for the information from www.thaihealth.or.th