Many medicines can treat infections, depending on the type of infection. Antibiotics are the most common type of medicine used to fight bacterial infections.
Types of Antibiotics that Treat Infections
- Penicillins: Widely used for infections like skin infections, chest infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Cephalosporins: Used for more serious infections such as septicaemia and meningitis.
While antibiotics effectively target bacterial infections, it's crucial to remember that they are ineffective against viral infections. For viral infections, treatment often focuses on managing symptoms until the body's immune system overcomes the virus. Some viral infections may have specific antiviral medications.
Beyond Antibiotics: Other Approaches to Infection Control
Effective infection control involves more than just medication. Proper hygiene and cleaning play a significant role in preventing infections from spreading:
- Hand Hygiene: Frequent handwashing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers is crucial in healthcare settings and at home to prevent the spread of infections. CDC's information on hand hygiene
- Environmental Cleaning: Thorough cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, especially in healthcare settings, helps reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections. ECRI Institute's technical brief on environmental cleaning
- Surgical Wound Care: Proper cleaning and treatment of surgical wounds are essential to prevent infections. In some cases, surgical intervention might be necessary to clean an infected wound. Information on surgical wound infection treatment
- Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) Bathing: In hospitals, CHG baths can reduce the spread of infections. CHG is a cleaning product that kills germs. Johns Hopkins Medicine's information on CHG bathing
The choice of medicine and other infection control measures depends heavily on the specific type and severity of the infection. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
