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Antibiotics are a relatively new concept that first came on the scene in 1929 when Alexander Fleming developed penicillin. Until the development of immunizations and antibiotics, the mortality rate in most countries was still high due to the lack of modern medicine utilized when fighting bacterial infections. Antibiotics target bacteria and slow the replication of the bacteria or ultimately kill the bacteria. It is vital to note that antibiotics will not treat viral infections. The typical "cold" is, in fact, a virus and not a bacterial infection. While many people believe that an antibiotic will help defeat the virus, taking an antibiotic to treat a common cold can increase resistance to antibiotics in the future.
Resistance, which develops through unneeded usage of antibiotics, can be detrimental when antibiotics are needed to treat a bacterial infection. Antibiotic resistance can develop through taking an antibiotic when not indicated or by not taking the complete course of antibiotics. For an antibiotic to be prescribed, a doctor must determine that the illness presented is indeed a bacterial infection. Strep throat, a sinus infection, or a urinary tract infection are examples of a bacterial infection that would need an antibiotic to treat it effectively.
When a doctor prescribes an antibiotic, it is essential to take it exactly as indicated. Many people will begin to feel better within the first few days of taking an antibiotic. However, this does not mean that you should stop taking it once symptoms subside. Instead, continue to take the antibiotic as prescribed until the course is completed. The entire course of antibiotics will ensure the destruction of the bacterial infection. If you stop the course mid-treatment, there is a chance that the infection will come back stronger. Another course of antibiotics will be indicated if the infection returns, and it will usually require a stronger dosage to treat the infection.
When taking antibiotics, they can have a wide variety of side effects, but the most common is gastric upset and diarrhea. Antibiotics can alter the bacteria in the gut, causing a strong presence of harmful bacteria. Probiotics are good bacteria that can be taken orally to replenish the good bacteria in the gut. Our gut houses good and bad bacteria, and at certain times, bad bacteria can flourish, which can lead to stomach ailments. Replacing the good bacteria in the gut through the use of probiotics helps keep a healthy balance. Many doctors have started to recommend the use of probiotics during antibiotic treatment to prevent a gut imbalance and subsequent gastric upset.
To prevent the overuse of antibiotics, do not pressure your doctor into prescribing an antibiotic prescription if he or she does not think it is necessary. Instead, follow the doctor's orders to treat the presenting illness. If symptoms continue without resolution of symptoms, set up another appointment with your physician to determine if the viral infection has evolved into a bacterial illness.
Quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
Feeling weakness when quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. Again when quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. This time will pass.Feeling weakness when quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. Again when quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. This time will pass.Feeling weakness when quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. Again when quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. This time will pass.Feeling weakness when quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. Again when quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. This time will pass.
Sarwat Makkani, MD
Yanelquis Torres, MD
Fabiola Baptiste, NP
Raga Mohamed Ali Osman
Ayesha Aslam Mughal
Sipra Talvikki Autio
Abigail has been a nurse for five years, and throughout her time as a nurse, she has worked in multiple medical-surgical units as well as spent time in the infusion therapy clinic and endoscopy lab. She is passionate about preventative medicine through patient education regarding nutrition and exercise. Due to her passion, Abigail has gone on to earn two certifications including a certification in medical-surgical nursing (CMSRN) and a certification in holistic nursing (HNB-BC), in hopes of being able to better serve her patients. Abigail earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA and now bettering patient education in the healthcare system through partnering with American TelePhysicians.
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Please note that these services are not intended for any emergency medical situations. If you are having a life-threatening or serious condition that may require hospitalization, including, but not limited to, high-grade fever; low or high blood pressure; active serious infection, including, but not limited to, COVID; chest pain; shortness of breath; severe pain; or stroke-like symptoms, please call 911 immediately or go to a nearby emergency center as quickly as possible.
If you do not have a physician's order for labs or non-invasive radiology services, you may request it through our network of affiliated physicians/providers in selected states for an additional non-refundable fee, as listed (asynchronous consultation). Please note that an asynchronous consultation or physician-order service for diagnostics is not available for radiology tests requiring IV contrast. Patients needing a diagnostic study with IV contrast must complete an online visit with our physician first and, likely, will also need to have a lab test for their kidney function before a diagnostic study with IV contrast can be scheduled.
Once you request our provider or physician's order service, you will receive an email from us inquiring more details about your medical history. Based on the information you provide, one of our affiliated physicians or providers will make a determination about processing the order for the requested service. In some cases, as determined by our affiliated medical team, you may be required to provide additional clinical information or may be asked to have a more detailed online visit (an additional fee may apply) before your order can be processed. Please note that in some situations, or based on available clinical information, our team may even decide not to process the requested diagnostic order service and rather may recommend you to seek immediate medical attention in person or go to the nearest urgent care or ER. In that case, any advanced payment for the diagnostic service(s) will be refunded, but the physician's consultation or order request fee will remain non-refundable.
Please also note that any post-diagnostic service follow-up visit(s) or treatment(s) is not covered in this service fee and the ordering physician is not responsible to provide any continued care unless you sign-up for that service separately. Depending on your situation or test results, you may be advised to seek consultation with either primary care or a specialist physician (local or online) for further work-up and treatment. If you are unsure or have any questions, please call our customer support service before placing an order.
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