Though taking antibiotics to cure a cold may seem like a healthy choice, it may actually be harmful.

Dr. Saroj Ahluwalia, associate director of Health Services, said she prescribes antibiotics for infections specifically related to bacteria, such as strep throat and for certain pneumonias and gastro-intestinal infections.

Based on clinical guidelines, antibiotics are not to be used to treat viral infections, such as most colds, flus, sinus infections, coughs, sore throats and other minor respiratory conditions, Ahluwalia said.

“Antibiotics kill bacteria, but they only kill the bacteria that are specifically sensitive to those types of antibiotics,” she said. “They also cause the inhibition of bacterial growth.”

Bad bacterias, or “pathogens” cause illness, Ahluwalia said. Good bacteria, already present in the body, are found mostly in intestinal bacteria, such as flora, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidophilus.

If antibiotics are prescribed too often, antibiotic-resistant bacteria can develop in the body, causing antibiotics to no longer be useful, Ahluwalia said. Other side effects can occur from misuse such as gastro-intestinal problems, nausea, diarrhea and skin rash.

Steve Lux, a health educator for Health Enhancement, said there is evidence that antibiotics are often overused and overprescribed. Scientists are having to invent stronger antibiotics to deal with the strains of infection, Lux said. Though clinicians may be careful not to overprescribe antibiotics, patients may feel they need antibiotics for instant relief.

“Often, when we go to the doctor’s office and don’t walk away with a prescription, we feel cheated,” Lux said. “We have this in our culture where we want instant cures.”

Deborah Brandt, yoga instructor and acupressurist for Recreation Services said probiotics are useful to restore healthy bacteria in the body.

“Most of us don’t have really well-functioning intestinal flora, or beneficial bacteria, because of the overuse of antibiotics and [antibiotic products],” Brandt said.

“Probiotic literally means ‘pro-life,’ and antibiotic means ‘anti-life.’ When you take an antibiotic, it kills the germs but it also kills the beneficial bacteria that helps in digestion and warding off illness.”

Brandt said she has been taking probiotics for about 20 years which, she said, help with stomach problems. There are several brands and forms of probiotics. Since you can not overdose on probiotics, the forms which contain a mixture of cultures is most beneficial because it mimics intestinal bacteria, she said.

“A lot of people will take probiotics, but they won’t really change their diet,” she said. “You have to look at your diet, and back off of [unhealthy foods] like caffeine and chocolate.”

Some other ways to increase the immune system performance and prevent infection include using basic hygiene, eating healthy foods, exercising, getting enough sleep and reducing stress, Ahluwalia said.

For more information on antibiotics, call Health Services at 753-1311.