# Using Antibiotics

- Link: https://stayathomemum.com.au/wellbeing/health-checks/using-antibiotics/
- Published: 2014-07-14T05:00:53+10:00
- Author: Clare Whitfield

Antibiotics are designed to do one thing to help those that are suffering from a**
bacterial** infection. Antibiotics can only be prescribed by a doctor and when a
doctor does suggest you take a course, it is important that you actually listen.
Many people will only take half of the dosage as they will start to feel better 
before the course is actually finished (guilty!). Others will ignore the instructions
of the doctor and hope that the infection goes away on its own (guilty again). Taking
antibiotics properly will not only help you feel better much quicker, it will also
stop the infection from coming back and causing others around you to get sick as
well. The following information is designed to help you understand the importance
of antibiotics.

**Antibiotics and Infections**

The first thing to remember is that antibiotics will not work against every infection
out there. They are only designed for bacterial infections. In some instances your
doctor may be unsure whether the infection is bacterial or viral until tests have
determined what the problem is and thus you may be prescribed an antibiotic treatment
that is actually ineffective. This is often the case in young patients where they
may not be able to tell you exactly how they feel. Your little one may be suffering
from a cold or he may be suffering from an ear infection and it can often be hard
to know the difference when they are still too young to tell you what hurts. Antibiotics
are prescribed for common conditions such as:

 * Strep throat and other throat infections
 * Ear infections
 * Bladder infections
 * Sinus infections
 * Lung infections

Antibiotics will not be effective for common conditions such as sore throats, bronchitis
and colds, which are all viral.

![Why taking antibiotics properly can save the world | stay at home mum](https://
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=240%2C300&quality=89&ssl=1 "Why Taking Antibiotics Properly Can Save the World 
| Stay at Home Mum")

**Overuse and Resistance**

One of the biggest concerns surrounding antibiotics is overuse. In time, if the 
antibiotic is used too often, the bacteria can become resistant to the antibiotic.
In some people, certain antibiotics will not work with their body. Furthermore, 
some people will be allergic to certain antibiotics such as penicillin. The best
way to prevent overuse from happening is to always finish the dosage that you are
prescribed. A doctor will only prescribe a medication based on your medical history
and when he is certain that it is in your best interest. If you or your little one
are getting recurrent infections, such as ear infections, several times a year, 
then there is a chance that the bacteria has developed a resistance to the drug.
There are other options to take. For example, for continuous throat infections, 
it may be wise to take out your tonsils. For continuous ear infections, grommets
may be the most appropriate treatment option.

**Using Antibiotics Correctly**

There are specific dosage rules in place when you are prescribed an antibiotic. 
You may need to take four different dosages every day for ten days, for example,
which can seem excessive, especially when you start to feel better after a few days.
Many people will assume that they do not need to continue to take the medication
once they feel all better and will choose to save the drug for next time or throw
it away. This is one of the biggest mistakes people make when taking antibiotics
and the reason for its growing ineffectiveness. It is important that you follow 
the instructions and that you do complete the dosage, even if you feel better after
a couple of dosages. To stop the spread of the infection, to kill it completely 
and do ensure the bacteria doesn’t develop a resistance to the drug, complete the
full dose every time. Taking�antibiotics�properly can save the world as proper use
will prevent super bugs forming.

**If you become concerned about any symptoms please seek immediate medical attention
we have some hotlines and suggested websites for further information and advice 
�**[**https://stayathomemum.com.au/my-kids/babies/important-hotlines-websites/**](https://stayathomemum.com.au/my-kids/babies/important-hotlines-websites/)

**SAHM takes no responsibility for any illness, injury or death caused by misuse
of this information. �All information provided is correct at time of publication.
�**

![author avatar](https://i0.wp.com/stayathomemum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/
12/clare_whitfield_profile.webp?quality=80&ssl=1)

 Clare Whitfield Chief Editor

 Clare Whitfield is the Editor of Stay at Home Mum and a recognised voice in practical
home management for Australian families. Based in the northern suburbs of Sydney,
she balances editorial leadership with life as a stay at home mum to two school 
age children. Her background in home economics and more than a decade of experience
in recipe development, family budgeting, and household systems inform her work.

 [See Full Bio](https://stayathomemum.com.au/author/clare_whitfield/) [  ](https://stayathomemum.com.au/author/clare_whitfield/)