Antibiotics

An antibiotic is a drug that kills or prevents the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics cannot help with a viral or fungal infection. Many ancient cultures used plants and moulds to cure certain infections, these are the first known Antibiotics. The first true antibiotic was Penicillin, which was invented in 1928 by Alexander Fleming.

There are 16 official classes of Antibiotics. Antibiotics are the most common form of medicine in the world as they are relatively easy to make and can be mass produced efficiently.

Many antibiotics have side affects. These can range from fever, nausea, and headaches to major allergic reactions. Diarrhea is one of the most usual side affects of an antibiotic. Some antibiotics can interfere with birth control pills.

It is a myth that drinking alcohol while on a course of most antibiotics is dangerous. This fabrication was started in World War II by medical professionals who were using penicillin to treat Gonorrhea in infected army troops. The medical staff were afraid that if the soldiers were inebriated before the course of antibiotics were finished, that they would spread the disease. Therefore they started the myth that drinking alcohol while taking penicillin is extremely hazardous to ones health. However, please consult your doctor about any drug you're taking; there may be conditions that you are unaware of.

The most common for of misuse with antibiotics is the failure to complete a course before the infection has been eradicated. Because of this many types of diseases have developed an immunity to a number of antibiotics. When a bacterial disease develops an immunity to antibiotics it is referred to as being Drug Resistant, or Super Drug Resistant.

Many individuals make the mistake of taking antibiotics in order to cure viral infections. Common Viral infections that are mistaken for bacterial infections include:

• The common cold
• Ear infection (otitis media)
• The Flu

Antibiotic drugs will not help cure a viral infection.

Many medicines can be expensive. An international medical insurance plan can help provide an out-patient option which will help cover the cost of medication. Plans are comprehensive, flexible, and are guaranteed renewable for life. For more information, or to receive a free quote, contact us.