FAQ about infections and antibiotics

Buycipro.co.uk answers your most frequently asked questions about infections and antibiotics: the microbes that cause infectious diseases, the use of antibiotics, but also the risks of antibiotic resistance and ways of preventing the transmission of infections.

1. Infections

What is an infection?

An infection is the invasion of the body by a pathogenic microbe (virus, bacteria, parasite, fungus), i.e. one that causes disease.

What is inflammation?

Inflammation is the body's defence mechanism against aggression, such as injury or infection. This natural, protective process involves our immune system. During an infection, inflammation helps the body to defend itself against microbes. This is why the majority of common infections, particularly viral infections, heal spontaneously. This is also why anti-inflammatory drugs may be inadvisable in certain infections: while they may relieve the troublesome symptoms of inflammation, such as swelling, redness or pain, they also slow down the infection's healing process.

What is a microbe?

A microbe is a living organism so small that it can only be seen under a microscope. It is also known as a microorganism. Microbes belong to different families: bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. We are constantly in contact with micro-organisms, the vast majority of which are not pathogenic, in other words do not make us ill.

What are viruses?

Viruses are very small microbes which, unlike bacteria, can only survive and multiply by contaminating a cell (human, animal, etc.). Most species of virus are harmless to humans, but some can infect us, causing illnesses of varying severity. The Respiratory Syncitial Virus (RSV), for example, causes bronchiolitis, while Influenza causes influenza. Viruses in the coronavirus family can cause the common cold or Covid-19. Many other infections, such as chickenpox, measles and HIV, are also viral. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses. On the other hand, vaccination can prevent a number of viral infections: influenza, measles, rubella, hepatitis A and B, etc.

What are bacteria?

Bacteria are micro-organisms found everywhere in our environment, including on our skin. But there are also bacteria inside our bodies, where they outnumber our cells! This community of microorganisms is known as the "microbiota", and includes mainly bacteria, but also viruses, parasites and fungi. The vast majority of these bacteria are harmless to us (non-pathogenic) and even help our bodies to function properly. However, pathogenic bacteria, present in our bodies or originating from our environment, can under certain conditions proliferate abnormally and make us ill. Infections such as erysipelas or dental abscesses are always bacterial. Antibiotics are used to kill or inactivate these bacteria. There are also vaccines to prevent bacterial diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, etc.

What is a microbiota?

A microbiota is a collection of microorganisms (or microbes) that live in a given environment. This term is often used to refer to the environment represented by the human body. Our bodies are naturally home to billions of micro-organisms: mainly bacteria, but also viruses, parasites and fungi.

Most of these bacteria are harmless to us and even help our bodies to function properly. In particular, they help us to defend ourselves against pathogenic microbes (which could make us ill) that could be transmitted to us. We also have pathogenic microbes in our bodies, but our much more numerous 'friendly' bacteria prevent them from multiplying and infecting us. This is known as "microbiota balance".

Please note that we have not one, but several microbiota! The intestinal microbiota, also known as the "intestinal flora", is the most important of these: there are more bacteria in the intestinal microbiota than there are cells in our body! But we also have a microbiota in our skin, vagina, mouth, lungs, ENT (throat, nose), etc. Each of these microbiota has its own specific characteristics. Each of these microbiota has a specific composition of bacterial species.

The intestinal microbiota is established at birth. Its composition remains relatively stable throughout life, but can change as a result of our diet, certain illnesses or our consumption of antibiotics. It is partly the same for everyone, but it is also unique to each individual: scientists believe that the composition of our microbiota is as personal as our fingerprints.

What is staphylococcus aureus?

Staphylococcus aureus (scientific name: Staphylococcus aureus) is a type of bacteria frequently found on the skin (skin microbiota). Staphylococcus aureus is not normally dangerous to us, but in some cases it can cause infections. In these cases, they can be fought with antibiotics, but some of them have now become resistant to several antibiotics (multi-resistant).

What is streptococcus?

A streptococcus is a type of bacteria. There are many species of streptococcus, many of which are a natural part of our microbiota (intestinal, genital and ENT). Some of these bacteria are harmless. Others, known as pathogens, can make us ill in certain situations, for example when our system is weakened. This is the case, for example, with Streptococcus pneumoniae: it is present in the respiratory tract of many people who are not ill. But it can also cause pneumonia, sinusitis and other sometimes serious infections. Various streptococci can be combated with antibiotics, but most become resistant to the action of these drugs.

What is an E. coli?

E. coli (scientific name: Escherichia coli or E. coli) is a type of bacteria that occurs naturally in our intestinal microbiota (or intestinal flora). Most E. coli are not dangerous to us, but some can cause infections, particularly urinary tract infections (cystitis) and digestive tract infections. Some E. coli have become resistant to common antibiotics such as penicillins.

2. Antibiotics

What is an antibiotic?

An antibiotic is a medicine used to kill bacteria or limit their growth in order to treat an infection. Antibiotics are active only on bacteria, and some also on parasites, such as metronidazole, but they have no action on viruses or fungi.

Why are there different types of antibiotic?

Antibiotics belong to several families (penicillins, macrolides, cyclins, fluoroquinolones, etc.) which have different modes of action on bacteria. Each antibiotic acts on a particular type of bacteria or group of bacteria: it is therefore suitable for certain infections and not for others.

What is antibiotic resistance?

Antibiotic resistance is when bacteria succeed in transforming themselves to become insensitive to the action of antibiotics. It is natural for bacteria to adapt to their environment to ensure their survival. But it is the massive, repeated and/or inappropriate use of antibiotics since the 1970s that has led to a sharp acceleration in the resistance of various bacteria to these drugs. When antibiotic resistance concerns several types of antibiotic, we speak of multi-drug resistance. To find out more, read our page on antibiotic resistance.

What is the angina rapid diagnostic test (RDT)?

The angina RDT or TROD (rapid diagnostic test) is a test used to determine whether angina is bacterial or viral in origin. It involves a throat swab taken by a healthcare professional (doctor or pharmacist). It's painless, simple and only takes a few minutes.

Where can I find the name of the antibiotic on the box?

A box of antibiotics will show the brand name of the medicine and, underneath, the name of the antibiotic, also known as the INN (International Non-proprietary Name). The INN refers more specifically to the active ingredient contained in a medicine and responsible for its therapeutic effect. Created by the World Health Organisation (WHO), it is common to all countries. In the case of generic medicines, the name of the antibiotic and the name of the laboratory are given. Antibio'Malin lists antibiotics using their INN.

Why is the name of my antibiotic different from that shown on the box?

The buycipro.co.uk website lists antibiotics using their scientific name, also known as the INN (International Non-proprietary Name). Your prescription may indicate the commercial name of the drug, even though the antibiotic molecule is the same.

What does a "recommendation" on the use of an antibiotic mean?

A recommendation is a management strategy drawn up by learned societies and/or health authorities for healthcare professionals. Their experts regularly review all the information available from scientific studies and draw up a list of the safest and most effective treatments for different diseases. There are recommendations on the use of antibiotics for various infectious diseases: respiratory, skin, digestive, genital, urinary, etc.

However, certain situations encountered by doctors may not be covered by the recommendations. It is then up to the doctor to decide on the most appropriate antibiotic for his or her patient.

What are the undesirable effects of antibiotics?

Antibiotics are highly effective medicines. However, taking them can have undesirable effects, most often digestive or allergic. While these effects are generally not too serious, they do need to be monitored. Antibiotics can also destroy the normal intestinal or vaginal bacterial flora (also known as the microbiota). Finally, when used incorrectly, they can lead to bacterial resistance, which complicates the treatment of infections caused by these bacteria.

Symptoms of side effects

Side effects vary from one antibiotic to another, but two types are particularly common: digestive problems and allergic reactions. Digestive problems are not very serious: they often involve nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. They generally appear after a few days of treatment. Allergic reactions most frequently affect the skin: itching, the appearance of pimples and, more rarely, the formation of blisters that peel off.

The most serious allergic reactions take the form of oedema of the glottis, breathing difficulties, abdominal pain associated with a drop in blood pressure and fever. Allergic reactions may appear rapidly after the start of treatment or several days later, and vary in severity. Other side effects vary according to the family of antibiotics.

Quinolones can cause tendonitis, joint pain, sleep disorders or aggravate sunburn. Some antibiotics are also toxic to the kidneys, liver, white blood cells or red blood cells, particularly when used for prolonged periods. Please refer to the antibiotics factsheets for more details on these side effects. Seek the advice of a health professional if you have any problems!

Digestive problems

These are caused by an imbalance in the intestinal bacterial flora, which is naturally present in everyone. Bacteria resistant to antibiotics will proliferate, destroying the intestinal flora, and antibiotics can encourage oral (thrush) or vaginal fungal infections, as well as causing diarrhoea. Nausea can sometimes be improved by changing the time at which the antibiotic is taken in relation to mealtimes. If not, ask your pharmacist for advice.

What should I do if I have an adverse reaction?

In the event of an adverse reaction, seek the advice of a healthcare professional (e.g. your doctor or pharmacist). Do not change or stop your antibiotic treatment on your own. Report these side effects to your healthcare professional the next time you are treated.

What are the emergency situations?

If you have difficulty breathing or feel unwell after taking an antibiotic, call your doctor immediately. Report any side effects that occur during treatment to a professional.

How can I avoid a recurrence?

If you develop an allergic reaction to an antibiotic, you should consult your doctor. An allergological assessment may be carried out by an allergist. The allergist will be able to identify the nature of the allergic reaction and whether or not there is an identical risk with another antibiotic.

What impact do antibiotics have on the intestinal flora (or microbiota)?

The impact of antibiotics on the intestinal flora (or microbiota) is twofold.

Firstly, antibiotics target not only the pathogenic bacteria responsible for the infection they are treating, but also certain bacteria that are useful for the body's natural defences. The microbiota becomes unbalanced, encouraging the onset of diarrhoea, the proliferation of fungi (mycosis) or the development of other bacterial infections.

Antibiotics also encourage the selection of bacteria resistant to the antibiotic used. In other words, the resistant bacteria survive and replace the sensitive bacteria in the intestines that were eliminated by the antibiotic. You can have antibiotic-resistant bacteria in your intestinal microbiota without becoming ill if there are only a few of them. But if these resistant bacteria multiply and cause an infection, it will be more difficult to treat.

How do you reconstitute an antibiotic in a bottle?

Here's how to reconstitute antibiotics in powder form for oral suspension:

• Unscrew the cap from the bottle;
• Add water (boiled and cooled mineral or tap water) up to the halfway mark. Shake vigorously;
• Make up to the mark with water and shake vigorously again until the mixture is completely blended;
• Close the bottle carefully after use. Shake the suspension before each use;
• Use the graduated syringe or measuring spoon to administer the antibiotic orally. It is specific to the product and must not be reused for another medicine.

How do I use my antibiotics properly?

• Do not take antibiotics on your own initiative without a prescription from a doctor, dental surgeon or midwife;
• Strictly follow the prescription in terms of dose, duration, frequency and times of treatment;
• Consult the package leaflet to check the antibiotic's instructions for use and precautions. If in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice;
• Do not stop your antibiotic treatment earlier than your doctor has prescribed, even if your symptoms are improving. Getting better does not mean that all the bacteria responsible for the infection have been eliminated. The bacteria that remain can then develop resistance to the antibiotic, which may no longer be effective the next time it is used;
• Since May 2022, pharmacists have been able to give you the exact number of units of the antibiotic you have been prescribed. In this case, the pharmacist dispenses by the unit rather than by the box. This is possible for antibiotics in blister packs or sachets. This avoids wastage and the risk of antibiotics being released into the environment.
• If your pharmacist has given you the antibiotics you have been prescribed in a box, once you have finished your treatment, return any opened, out-of-date or unused blister packs of antibiotic tablets or capsules, sachets, bottles, creams or gels to your pharmacist so that they can be disposed of properly, without polluting the environment;
• Do not reuse antibiotics not used in a previous treatment without medical advice, even if your symptoms seem identical;
• Do not give your antibiotic treatment to someone else: a prescription is adapted to each person and each situation;
• Report any side effects that occur during antibiotic treatment to a healthcare professional.

It may also be useful to keep an up-to-date record of your antibiotic treatment. You can share this with your healthcare professional if you have an infection:

• Each time you take an antibiotic, make a note of the name of the antibiotic, the dose and duration prescribed, the reason for the prescription (e.g. erysipelas, dental abscess) and the dates of treatment;
• Make a note of any side effects you have had, with a detailed description and the dates on which they occurred;
• If you have travelled abroad in the 3 months prior to antibiotic treatment or hospitalisation, report this to your healthcare professional.

What should I do if I miss a dose of my antibiotic?

Take the missing dose as soon as possible. Above all, do not double the next dose. Stop treatment on the day scheduled by your healthcare professional.

You can set an alarm so that you don't forget to take your treatment at regular intervals.

What should I do if I vomit after taking my antibiotic?

If you took the medicine more than an hour before vomiting, you should not take an extra dose. Otherwise, seek the advice of a healthcare professional.

What should I do if I realise I'm pregnant during my antibiotic treatment?

Most of the antibiotics commonly used today can be taken by pregnant women. However, some are not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy. So ask your healthcare professional for advice if you discover you are pregnant during treatment.

3. Practical advice: protecting yourself and others

How can you reduce the risk of catching an infection?

Maintain good personal hygiene;

• Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating;
• Make sure you are up to date with your vaccinations;
• Get enough sleep (7-8 hours a night for most people);
• Eat a varied and balanced diet;
• Exercise regularly (ideally for at least 30 minutes a day);
• Avoid close contact with people who are ill and wear a mask as soon as necessary.

I'm ill, how can I protect those around me?

Whatever your infection:

• Wash your hands regularly, especially after using the toilet, before preparing meals and before looking after a frail person (baby, elderly person, sick person, etc.);
• Avoid sharing cutlery or toothbrushes.

If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection (coughing, sneezing, etc.):

• Blow your nose into single-use tissues (and dispose of them afterwards);
• Cough or sneeze into a single-use tissue or into the crease of your elbow;
• Wear a mask, especially in the presence of vulnerable people (the sick, the elderly, pregnant women, infants, etc.).

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