Today we celebrate the European Day for the prudent use of antibiotics, an initiative organized by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), which has been celebrated since 2008.
According to 2017 data provided by the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS), Spain is one of the European countries with the highest consumption of antibiotics, being the children who receive these medications more frequently. But antibiotics are not always necessary, and it is important to be aware of the risks associated with misuse.
Antibiotics do not kill viruses, but many people still believe it.
On the occasion of the European Week dedicated to the Prudent Use of Antibiotics, the Spanish Association of Primary Care Pediatrics (AEPap) has issued a statement to raise public awareness about the responsible consumption of antibiotics, as well as to call on pediatricians for "Provide our patients and their families with truthful and understandable information on the correct use of these medications".
In Babies and more, pediatricians ask for a test that detects when to give antibiotics. In addition, pediatricians remember that most infections in children are of viral (non-bacterial) origin, so "antibiotics would not be effective for treatment."However, according to the data collected in Spain by the Eurobarometer 2016 on the knowledge and consumption of antibiotics, Almost half of the respondents in our country believe that antibiotics are worth killing viruses and to treat flu and catarrhal processes.
This false belief can have serious consequences for health, because inadequate antibiotic consumption generates bacterial resistance, which results in more serious infections and difficult treatment, prolonging hospital admissions and complicating medical procedures.
In XatakaThe list of 12 WHO superbugs is just the beginning, the end of antibiotics is getting closerFurther, the use of antibiotics at an early age It has been related to the appearance of allergies, alteration of the intestinal flora of the baby and an increased risk of obesity.
One of the questions asked in the Eurobarometer 2016: Antimicrobial Resistance From the AEPap they pretend improve the knowledge of the Spanish population about the use of antibiotics through the creation of the Antibiotic Corner, a space aimed at families with scientific articles, information and answers to the main questions that arise to parents when administering this type of medication to our children.
Also, remember that the most effective way to decrease the use of antibiotics It is through the prevention of infections, that it would go through frequent hand washing and having all the vaccines on the calendar up to date, including those recommended for risk groups.
Decalogue of the good use of antibiotics
The AEPap published three years ago a downloadable decalogue on the responsible use of antibiotics, under the slogan "Antibiotics: great allies, if they are well used." On the occasion of the Day we celebrate today we wanted to remember the guidelines that pediatricians recommend before administering these medications:
In Babies and more In what cases are antibiotics useful?Antibiotics have saved millions of lives. It is essential to use them properly so that they remain useful.
Only are effective for infections caused by bacteria. Most childhood infections are caused by viruses and therefore are not cured or relieved with antibiotics.
Fever is not treated with antibiotics. Their presence does not mean that they are necessary.
The law prohibits selling over-the-counter antibiotics. Only the doctor can prescribe them. They should not be taken without your supervision.
Antibiotics that have been left over from other treatments should not be used. These should be taken to the SIGRE point (collection points in pharmacies) for recycling.
Antibiotics should be take in doses, guidelines and over time that the doctor has recommended.
In Babies and more Do you know when doctors say you have to do the full cycle of antibiotics? It could be a mistake Antibiotics should not be discontinued. although the symptoms of the disease disappear except by medical indication.
Antibiotics are safe medications but in some cases they can have side effects or produce allergies. In these cases you should consult with the doctor.
The antibiotics misused cease to be effective Because bacteria become resistant to their effects. This is a serious health problem.
Antibiotics have to be used with certain precautions during pregnancy and lactation. These circumstances should be communicated to your doctor.
In Babies and more Antibiotic use at the beginning of pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage
