Common Myths
During the process of sharing our experiences of taking antibiotics, myths have sometimes emerged that can be misleading and, in some cases, potentially harmful to our health if we believe them and accept the ‘advice’ they offer.
MYTH: It’s a good idea to take antibiotics for any infection, even if it is viral, because a viral infection may lead to a bacterial infection.
FACT: Many infections are caused by viruses, which can not be treated with antibiotics. If you take antibiotics for viral infections, they won’t work and overusing them can result in bacteria that cause secondary infections to become resistant. This will make it harder to treat them.
MYTH: Antibiotics weaken the body's immune system.
FACT: They don’t. The reason for this myth is that people sometimes develop secondary infections after taking antibiotics. No antibiotic can kill all kinds of bacteria so although the initial infection is sometimes cured, another infection can develop from bacteria that are resistant to the antibiotic.
MYTH: If a prescribed antibiotic didn’t work before, it won't work now.
FACT: Even if a prescribed antibiotic didn’t work last time, it may work for this infection. There are two reasons for this. The first is that different antibiotics target specific types of bacterial infections and may not have been effective against the type of bacteria that caused your infection last time.
Another reason that your prescribed antibiotics did not seem to work last time could be that your previous infection was viral not bacterial. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections. If the infection you have now is bacterial, the right type of prescribed antibiotic will be effective.
MYTH: Our bodies become resistant to antibiotics.
FACT: It is the bacteria rather than our bodies that develop resistance to antibiotics.
MYTH: The contraceptive pill will continue to be effective with all types of antibiotics.
FACT: If you’re prescribed antibiotics it’s important that you tell your doctor about any form of medication you’re taking – including the contraceptive pill.
Antibiotics can make the contraceptive pill less effective because they affect how oestrogen is absorbed. Therefore you'll need to use an additional form of contraceptive, such as a condom, while you are taking antibiotics and for a week after you stop. However, you should discuss this with your doctor and take his/her advice.
MYTH: Antibiotics make you sleepy or tired.
FACT: It is the infection for which you have been prescribed antibiotics that is likely to be making you tired. You should start to feel better once you have begun your course of antibiotics.
MYTH: You can’t take alcohol with any antibiotics.
Fact: You can take moderate amounts of alcohol with some antibiotics but always ask your doctor for advice first.
The information provided on this website does not replace a consultation with a medical professional. If you have any concern about your condition please contact a medical professional.
