Many patients are demanding antibiotics for viral infections, despite the fact that antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, leading to excessive prescriptions and increased antibiotic resistance.
A significant number of patients are seeking antibiotics for viral infections, which has raised concerns among health professionals. Dr. Joonas Tolvanen, in his book, highlights that many doctors may prescribe unnecessary antibiotics to avoid disputes with patients demanding immediate treatment. This practice can lead to an increase in antibiotic resistance, making even common infections potentially life-threatening in the future.
Dr. Tolvanen points out that common ailments like bronchitis, often following flu infections, are mistakenly treated with antibiotics, despite their ineffectiveness against viral pathogens. The general consensus in health literature is that antibiotics function primarily against bacterial infections, and their use in viral infections is not only unnecessary but dangerous.
This issue emphasizes the need for improved patient education regarding the specific roles of antibiotics. Without understanding that antibiotics do not work on viruses, patients will continue to pressure healthcare providers for these medications, potentially exacerbating the problem of antibiotic resistance, which poses a significant public health threat globally.
