Well, that depends on the type of infection you have. Viral infections are not treated with antibiotics, but bacterial infections are.

Before antibiotics were invented, bacterial infections were deadly for Americans. Around 30% of all recorded deaths were actually due to bacterial infections back then!

Thankfully, that number is not nearly as high today. Antibiotics are a wonderful and effective tool in combating infections and preventing severe symptoms. Our staff at AFC Urgent Care Clemson commonly treats infections and offers some advice on using antibiotics below.

Do Antibiotics Work Immediately?

If you are prescribed antibiotics for your infection, they will start to work immediately in your body. Antibiotics work by killing off the bacteria or stalling its growth, allowing you to feel better quickly.

It can take a day or two to feel the effects, but typically there is a quick turnaround. A typical round of antibiotics is seven to 14 days, and needs to be taken in its entirety. Below are some infections that typically require an antibiotic prescription.

Common Infections

• UTI (urinary tract infection)
• Strep throat
• Ear or sinus infections
• Bacterial pneumonias

Should I Worry About Antibiotic Resistance?

Ever since antibiotics became a common cure for infections, certain infections have become more resistant to treatment over time. This has occurred because any bacteria that is left over after the course of antibiotics adapts and becomes more resistant to treatment.

When it is passed from person to person, the same antibiotic treatment becomes less effective. Abusing antibiotic use is one of the main reasons for this, so using them responsibly is incredibly important.

Using Antibiotics Responsibly

• Use them only on bacterial infections as prescribed.
• Only take them if they are prescribed for YOU.
• Never take someone else’s prescription.
• Take the entire course of antibiotics, even when you start to feel better.

Antibiotics are a great tool when used appropriately! If you think you need a prescription for an infection you have, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Clemson.