How To Be A Responsible Patient In A World On The Cusp Of A Post-Antibiotic Era

Twenty years ago, an "antibiotic apocalypse" would have sounded just about as plausible as a zombie outbreak. Today, it is a very real possibility, with scientists just recently having reported that bacteria are becoming resistant to the last-resort drug colistin in humans and livestock in China, a resistance that will inevitably and easily spread over the globe. We are, researchers say, now on the cusp of a post-antibiotic era. 

Does the thought of a world in which simple infections or an operation can kill you scare the living daylight out of you? Here at SteadyHealth, we feel the same way. It is time to take steps. As the World Health Organization is working on solutions, we patients also have a role to play. 

Prevention Is Better Than The Cure: How To Minimize Your Odds Of Needing Antibiotics

Yes, antibiotic resistance is, to a large extent, caused by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics. Only using antibiotics for bacterial infections and not for viruses (for which they are utterly powerless), and taking your antibiotics exactly as prescribed are two important steps patients can take to contribute to a world in which antibiotics will still be available in the future. Prevention is still better than a cure, however, and consumers can also help ensure that they will not need antibiotics — by preventing bacterial infections. 

Of course, medical professionals are expected to wash their hands before performing any type of examination or treatment on you, including before touching mucus membranes, tending to wounds, and inserting IV lines. This is what the World Health Organization refers to as "aseptic procedures". You, yourself, need to maintain the same high level of hygiene as your healthcare providers. How? By washing your hands with soap and water after touching other patients, after using the toilet, and before touching openings in the skin through which bacteria may enter. Always wash your hands after visiting a healthcare facility, before and after eating, and after using public transportation or other public facilities as well.

Practicing meticulous hand hygiene is a prime way in which you can prevent becoming ill and needing antibiotics. That applies not just to you, but also to other people with whom you come into contact. By encouraging people within your workplace or place of study, at your children's schools, at the gym, and in your own home to wash their hands with soap and water when they enter the facility and doing the same yourself, you are engaging in infection prevention. 

READ Natural Antibiotics: Foods that Work as Antibiotics

Bacteria are also more likely to wreak havoc on your body if you already have a weakened immune system. Making a healthy, balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables a priority will help prevent illness, in turn minimizing your risk of needing antibiotics. You can further maintain a strong immune system by making sure you are up to date on vaccines, and by getting enough sleep and exercising regularly. Finally, avoid sexually transmitted diseases by always using condoms unless both you and your partner have been tested for STDs and both of you are monogamous. 

Things You Need To Know Before Taking An Antibiotic

Questioning Your Doctor — And Yourself

In case anyone was still confused, let's say this loudly and clearly: antibiotics serve to treat infections and diseases caused by bacteria. Antibiotics do absolutely nothing for viruses, including the common cold, the flu, and many cases of sore throats, sinusitis, and ear infections. The British NHS, on its website, informs patients that "your doctor will only prescribe antibiotics when you need them", yet a recent study found that half of Britain's general practitioners admit to prescribing antibiotics when they know they will not help. A whopping 90 percent of those GPs do so, they say, due to patient pressure. Don't contribute to that problem. 

The UK's Chief Medical Officer Dame Sally Davies, warns: 

"If a doctor says antibiotics are not appropriate for an illness, we should all listen and not pressurize them into giving us unnecessary drugs. Resistance to antibiotics is a real threat."

Rather than asking your doctor if there's anything they can give you, or outright demanding antibiotics, question whether an antibiotic would really benefit you and what you could do instead of taking an antibiotic. Always ask your doctor exactly how the medication they are prescribing you will benefit your health. If your doctor admits to not knowing whether your infection is viral or bacterial, ask to be tested before you agree to taking antibiotics. 

By being a patient who openly identifies themselves as skeptical, you are less likely to be prescribed antibiotics in situations where you don't need them. Inform yourself about the type of antibiotic needed to treat the infection you have as well, and ask questions if you believe you are being prescribed the wrong kind. 

When You Really Need Antibiotics

If you find yourself in a situation where you truly need antibiotics, you are still living at a time where they are available — though indeed, the possibility of running into resistant bacteria is increasing every day. When you are prescribed antibiotics, after ascertaining that they are right for your infection, take them exactly as prescribed by your doctor. 

Never take antibiotics that were not prescribed by a doctor, do not save prescribed antibiotics to take at a time when you have similar symptoms, and never, ever share leftover antibiotics with other people — not being a doctor, you have no idea whether they really need them, and in what dose. 

READ US Pediatricians: Antibiotics are Over-prescribed to Children

If You Are In Hospital

Hospitals are still the most likely location to pick up a superbug. How can you protect yourself from one while you are a patient? Again, your main weapon is asking questions. Question what anti-infection protocols are in place in your hospital, and find out whether they are enforced strictly. If you are not sure whether your doctor or nurse have washed their hands, feel free to ask, and also find out what they are doing to prevent surgical wounds from getting infected. Ask not to use a catheter unless you really need one, and ask for tests if you are being prescribed an antibiotic, to ensure you really need one and are getting the right type.