How are you feeling, Mom?
Ohhh, I don’t feel so good…
I heard I need antibiotics but what are they exactly?
Narrator: Antibiotics come from natural sources such as fungi, who use them in their battle
against bacteria out in the environment.
Scientists take these molecules and use them to help battle infections in people.
Well, that sounds fantastic.
I don’t want any bacteria in my body!
Narrator: Well, there are good and bad bacteria.
Everyone has something called a microbiome.
Our microbiome is a collection of bacteria that live inside our bodies.
A healthy and strong microbiome is one that has many different kinds of good bacteria
that protects us from getting sick.
So, it’s important that we keep these good bacteria.
But sometimes, bad bacteria can get in and cause problems.
This is why you’ve been prescribed antibiotics.
Antibiotics can come in the form of tablets, pills or intravenous fluids.
Well then, I hope we get the strongest one!
Narrator: Actually, there’s no antibiotic considered weak or strong.
Antibiotics are either “targeted” or “broad”.
Sometimes, when you’re sick, your healthcare provider knows exactly what bacteria is causing
your sickness.
In times like this, a targeted antibiotic is prescribed.
These types of antibiotics primarily kill the harmful bacteria causing your illness.
But, sometimes your healthcare provider may not know exactly what is causing your illness.
If your healthcare provider suspects it could be a bacterial infection, a broad antibiotic
is prescribed.
These types of antibiotics attack a wider range of bacteria in the hopes of killing
the harmful bacteria.
Unfortunately, whichever kind of antibiotic you receive, the good bacteria in our microbiome
may be affected.
But broad antibiotics usually affect more of our microbiome.
Your healthcare provider’s goal is to always protect your microbiome as much as they can.
I see.
What can we do to ensure we get the best antibiotic for us?
Narrator: To find the best antibiotic for you, it’s important that your healthcare
provider knows what you’re allergic to and other medication you may be taking…
Hmmm….
allergies…?
Does he mean...Nausea?
Vomiting?
Diarrhea?
Narrator: Hold on there.
The symptoms you’re thinking of are actually some common, expected side effects to taking
antibiotics...
Narrator: ...and are not considered allergic reactions.
It is important to know what allergic reactions are and tell your healthcare provider about
them.
These include: Lip, throat and eye swelling
Low blood pressure Skin rashes
Son: Is it that important to be so specific?
Narrator: Yes.
There are different types of antibiotics, so mistakenly telling your healthcare provider
about non-allergic symptoms limits your treatment options.
Narrator: One last thing.
You should also note that as a hospital patient taking antibiotics, you are susceptible to
C. difficile infection.
C. difficile infection is an illness that occurs in hospital institutions and patients
who are on or have had antibiotic treatment.
It is very, very serious.
If you experience symptoms of watery diarrhea and/or abdominal “belly” pain, and possibly
fever, you need to contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Wow, it must be tough for healthcare providers to decide how best to prescribe antibiotics...
Narrator: Yes, prescribing antibiotics is a careful balance between protecting your
microbiome and helping you get better.
Make sure you take them as prescribed!
I will.
Thank you for looking out for my microbiome!
Narrator: If you’ve been prescribed antibiotics, here are some important questions that you
should ask your healthcare provider: 1) Why am I being prescribed an antibiotic?
2) How should I take my antibiotics and for how long?
3) How will I know if my antibiotics are working, and what side effects should I watch for?
4) Do I need any tests and when do I book my next visit?
Narrator: Hope you feel better soon!
Take care!