Those who run to antibiotics every time they get sick come to this: Why aren’t viruses affected by antibiotics?
July 20, 2024
0
When we are sick, our only desire is to find a medicine that will cure us immediately. However, flu, cold or Viral diseases such as COVID-19 When it
When we are sick, our only desire is to find a medicine that will cure us immediately. However, flu, cold or Viral diseases such as COVID-19 When it comes to antibiotics, unfortunately they don’t work.
So why antibiotics against viruses Is it not effective?
First, let’s look at how antibiotics work.
Antibiotics were discovered in 1928 by Alexander Fleming and have persisted throughout human history. one of the most important medical discoveries was accepted as one.
Antibiotics caused by bacteria to treat infections is used. Bacteria are very small organisms that live in and on our bodies. Most of the time they can be harmless or even useful, but some bacteria can cause diseases.
There are two types of antibiotics: some slow the growth of bacteria and damage their ability to reproduce and spread, while other types of antibiotics slow by destroying cell walls kills them. The antibiotic you should use depends on the type of bacteria.
So why can’t antibiotics affect viruses?
Viruses are different from bacteria, that is, they have a different structure They have a way to survive. Viruses do not have cell walls that can be damaged by antibiotics. Instead, they are surrounded by a protective protein layer.
While bacteria attack your body cells from the outside, viruses actually enter your body cells and live there they copy themselves.
Like viruses, bacteria They cannot reproduce independently, Instead, they attach to healthy cells and reprogram these cells to produce new viruses. Because of these differences, antibiotics cannot be effective against viruses.
Antibiotics should only be used to treat bacterial infections.
Using antibiotics for viral diseases may reduce the effectiveness of these drugs and cause more complications in the future. When we encounter serious infections It can make us more vulnerable.
Misuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, which can cause serious health problems. So before you take antibiotics, Don’t forget to consult your doctor.
Ashley Johnson is a science writer for “Div Bracket”. With a background in the natural sciences and a passion for exploring the mysteries of the universe, she provides in-depth coverage of the latest scientific developments.