Part 5/7:
The narrator points out that sometimes, patients pressure healthcare providers to prescribe antibiotics, even when they are unnecessary. While doctors often recognize that most respiratory infections are viral, patient expectations can lead to inappropriate prescriptions. Moreover, antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, yet their unnecessary use fosters resistance.
The Dangers of Antibiotic Misuse
The transcript emphasizes that antibiotics only work against bacterial infections. When misused, they not only fail to cure the illness but also promote the survival of resistant strains. Such strains can survive standard treatments and cause infections that are more difficult, or even impossible, to treat.