fighting disease - drugs Flashcards
What do painkillers like aspirin do?
They help reduce pain but don’t address the root cause of a disease.
What is the main purpose of antibiotics?
They are effective against bacterial infections but do not work on viruses.
What happens when bacteria mutate?
They can become antibiotic-resistant, making infections harder to treat.
What is MRSA?
A resistant strain of bacteria that causes severe infections and is resistant to meticillin
Why is it important to complete a full course of antibiotics?
: To ensure all bacteria, including resistant ones, are eliminated.
What is the difference between drugs that relieve symptoms and those that cure diseases?
Drugs that relieve symptoms help manage discomfort, while curative drugs address the underlying cause of the disease.
Why are antibiotics important in medicine?
They have significantly decreased deaths caused by bacterial communicable diseases
: What is natural selection in the context of antibiotic resistance?
It is the process where resistant bacteria survive and reproduce, leading to an increase in resistant strains.
Can antibiotics treat viral infections
No, antibiotics are ineffective against viruses like the flu or cold viruses.
What should doctors do to combat antibiotic resistance?
They must avoid over-prescribing antibiotics and ensure appropriate use for bacterial infections only.
