Seasonal illnesses increase antibiotic misuse risk: Doctors warn

ISLAMABAD, Nov 09 (APP): Amid changing weather and a rise in seasonal illnesses, health experts have warned against the unnecessary use of antibiotics for fever, cold, cough and sore throat, cautioning that self-medication can accelerate drug resistance and make infections harder to treat. According to medical practitioners, many seasonal respiratory illnesses are caused by viruses, against which antibiotics are ineffective, while certain bacterial infections require antibiotic treatment only after proper medical assessment. Dr Maqsood Malik, a senior physician, said antibiotics are effective medicines against bacterial infections but cannot treat viral illnesses. 'Taking antibiotics for every episode of fever, cough or sore throat is not only unnecessary but can also expose people to avoidable risks,' he said. He advised people experiencing seasonal illnesses to seek medical advice rather than start antibiotics on their own. Dr Tauqeer Ahad, a general health practitioner, said antibiotic resistance was becoming a serious public health concern as bacteria continued to develop mechanisms to survive medicines designed to eliminate them. 'When antibiotics are used unnecessarily or incorrectly, resistant bacteria can emerge and spread, making routine infections harder to treat,' he added. Dr Naila Shamim, a medical specialist, stressed that patients should never demand antibiotics for common viral infections or take medicines left over from previous prescriptions. 'Antibiotics should only be used when prescribed by a qualified doctor, and patients must follow the recommended dosage and duration of treatment,' she said. The experts cautioned that taking antibiotics without medical advice could encourage bacteria to develop resistance, reducing the effectiveness of treatments and creating serious challenges for healthcare systems. They also advised patients not to stop a prescribed course or alter the dosage without consulting their doctor, as treatment decisions should be based on the nature and severity of the infection and the physician's assessment. The doctors further emphasized the importance of public awareness, responsible prescribing practices and preventing the unnecessary sale and use of antibiotics to contain the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. They urged citizens to adopt preventive measures during seasonal weather changes, including maintaining personal hygiene, washing hands regularly, consuming a healthy diet and avoiding close contact with people suffering from respiratory infections. They also called on the public to understand the responsible use of antibiotics and play an active role in preventing the spread of drug-resistant infections.