Dr. Katerina Ignevska, microbiologist from "Zan Mitrev Clinic", points out that very soon we will face infections caused by microorganisms to which the available antibiotics will not work at all. The doctor explains that we are moving towards a pandemic in which bacterial infections, which were not a serious threat, because we had antibiotics as a powerful weapon, are now losing them, and thus the battle with bacterial infections. Citizens should keep in mind one rule, ie advice - preventive drinking of antibiotics creates a catastrophic situation, which brings with it great resistance and their indifference.

Microbiologist Ignevska says that there are protocols for when and in which patients antibiotics are given preventively. These are specific procedures that are performed in a hospital, and in this case it is known exactly which antibiotic, when, in what dose and for how long should be taken to be considered a prevention. Unfortunately, nowadays, the availability of antibiotics and their preventive drinking at home, especially those of the broad-spectrum type (which are usually given only in hospitals), creates an irreversible catastrophic situation, which brings with it great resistance and indifference to the existing arsenal of antibiotics.

The doctor emphasizes that only bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics. But this seems to be forgotten, even though according to the etiology of covid-pneumonia - where the cause is a virus, the first drug written as a treatment is an antibiotic. Regarding probiotics, if there is a short course of antibiotic therapy and it is not necessary to take a probiotic, the same can be achieved with natural probiotics, which are present in the daily diet, for example, yogurt. But if it is a long-term antibiotic therapy with a broad-spectrum antibiotic, then taking a probiotic is justified, says Dr. Ignevska.

Dr. Ignevska emphasizes that we should not forget that in addition to the benefits, when given appropriately, ie when necessary, antibiotics have a number of side effects. They can cause toxic reactions, hypersensitivity reactions, one of the most important at the moment - mechanisms of resistance and the creation of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains, and of course very important post-antibiotic colitis - which can lead to a very serious health condition.

It is known that citizens ask their doctors to prescribe antibiotics preventively, buy them and drink them on their own, but here too Dr. Ignevska is decisive. If the patient has entrusted the care of health to that doctor, he should respect his knowledge, experience and advice, of course for his own good. A good doctor for patients is the one who will give them an antibiotic. But, in fact, the doctor's skill is to explain to the patient when he needs an antibiotic and to warn him what are the positive and negative sides, ie the harm from taking unnecessary antibiotics. The roles of doctor-patient are clearly divided. It is not the patients who should seek therapy, but on the contrary, they come to their doctor for advice and explanation.

As for children receiving antibiotics in combination with corticosteroids, it is necessary to include vitamin nutrition, advises the microbiologist and adds that in children nutrition is very important. However, both caloric and vitamin intake should be taken into account. It is advisable to take vitamins through food (when possible and available), in a healthy way without unnecessary addition of syrups - vitamins and supplements. At the same time, the constant care and care for the children is of great importance.

The team of the Clinical Hospital "Zan Mitrev" is at your disposal. For information related to your health, get information or make an appointment by phone 02 309 1484 at the Clinic "Zan Mitrev".