Many people wonder about the COVID-19 treatment which is now officially worldwide. In fact, there are rumors that antibiotics can treat the Corona virus. How is it true?
COVID-19 is a respiratory infection caused by the Corona virus or officially known as SARS-CoV-2. Transmission of the virus generally occurs through splashes of the patient's saliva when coughing, sneezing, or talking.
Meanwhile, antibiotics are drugs to treat infections caused by bacteria. This drug serves to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria in the body.
Can the Corona Virus be Fight with Antibiotics?
Viruses and bacteria are two very different microorganisms, from the structure to the way they reproduce. Antibiotics work by attacking certain structures in bacteria that make them unable to reproduce or survive.
These antibiotic-targeted structures are not found in viruses. Therefore, it is clear that COVID-19 cannot be prevented, let alone treated by antibiotics. So, taking antibiotics will not be useful to suppress the spread of the Corona virus.
Taking antibiotics when they are not really needed, for example in viral infections, can actually cause bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics. This will certainly be detrimental if one day a bacterial infection occurs and there is no effective antibiotic to treat it.
Giving antibiotics to patients who are positively infected with the Corona virus is actually possible, but only if the doctor assesses the patient is at risk of bacterial infection or if the patient is known to have had additional bacterial infections.
So, what drugs can fight the Corona Virus?
Until now, there is no vaccine or drug that has been proven effective against Corona virus infection. Even so, researchers are trying to develop vaccines and drugs to prevent and treat COVID-19.
The most important thing to be implemented at this time is preventive measures so that the virus does not spread and the risk of infection is reduced. The trick is to wash your hands regularly with clean water and soap, keep a distance of at least 1 meter from people who are sick, and keep your immune system in top shape.
If you have a cough or cold, you are also advised to wear a mask and avoid traveling for a while. Check with your doctor to get medication that can relieve symptoms. If the pain does not improve for more than a week, consult a doctor for further treatment.
Remember, do not use antibiotics carelessly without a doctor's advice. If the doctor prescribes antibiotics, use them according to the dose and duration prescribed by the doctor. Do not stop taking antibiotics prematurely even if your symptoms improve.
If you have questions about the Corona virus, both about the news circulating and the symptoms that may occur, don't hesitate to ask chat doctor directly in the Alodokter application. You can also make a consultation appointment with a doctor at the hospital through this application.
