Mahaska Health Partnership Educates on Antibiotic Use
Mahaska Health Partnership
MAHASKA COUNTY – Since their introduction in 1941, antibiotics have cured millions of people from bacterial infections. While they are strong medications, they do not cure everything, including viral illnesses.
According to Mahaska Health Partnership Family Practice Physician Bridget Shariat, DO,
antibiotics are used to treat illnesses caused by bacteria. “Strep throat and pneumonia are some of the common illnesses caused by bacteria,” Dr. Shariat shared. “These infections will benefit from the use of antibiotics. However, the medicine is only effective if the entire prescription is taken, so make sure to finish the dose.”
Although antibiotics are used to treat illnesses, they do not work for viral infections. “Antibiotics are life-saving drugs when used to treat the right illnesses,” Dr. Shariat explained. “However, many illnesses are caused by viruses, such as the flu, colds, runny noses, some ear infections and many cases of bronchitis, which cannot be treated by antibiotics. It’s important to discuss your symptoms with a primary care provider to ensure you are treating the illness appropriately.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), taking antibiotics incorrectly can lead to the development of resistant bacteria. “If you do not finish a dose of antibiotics for a bacterial infection or take antibiotics for a viral infection, resistant bacteria can begin to grow,” Dr. Shariat warned. “These bacteria are stronger and harder to kill, which can lead to severe illnesses that cannot be cured with antibiotics. It’s important to make sure that your family is taking medications only when necessary to avoid this issue.”
Dr. Shariat explained that while many parents want to make sure their child is getting the best treatment, pushing for antibiotics is not always the best solution. “I know it can be hard for some patients, and especially parents, to accept that there are no prescription medications for viral illnesses, even when their symptoms are making them or their child miserable. However, it is better to take no treatment and let the illness run its course or treat with over-the-counter medications, rather than take unnecessary antibiotics that will not treat the virus and could lead to other complications.”
Dr. Shariat treats patients of all ages and also delivers babies. She is now accepting new patients on the MHP campus in Oskaloosa. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Shariat, call 641.672.3360.
Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, look us up on the web: mahaskahealth.org.
