ANTIBIOTICS AND VIRUS INFECTIONS:Self help when you're ill.

The majority of infections which affect people are caused by viruses. These are tiny particles of life which cannot be seen with an ordinary microscope: a special electron microscope is needed to see them. Viruses have been around since life first began: some theories even suggest that viruses originated on comets which passed through the earth's atmosphere in the past. It is thought by some that this might be the reason why comets were viewed with fear as bad omens as sometimes new infections or plague followed. If your Doctor says you have a virus he does not mean you are swinging the lead. A number of humanity's greatest killers have been viruses; the influenza outbreak after the first world war killed more people than the war itself. Polio,smallpox and measles are all viruses and the most deadly infection known to man, Ebola fever is caused by a virus.

Most viral infections begin with cold symptoms: sore throat, aching joints, tiredness, feeling shivery, perhaps a cough or diarrhoea. More severe infections can cause vomiting  & giddiness.

Antibiotics do not work against viruses. It is probable that not only do they not help the situation but they might make it worse by killing off the germs which live in our guts. These make vitamins which help us to fight off infections with viruses.

Normally a virus infection will last about 7 to 10 days sometimes as much as two weeks. If you are still ill after two weeks and are showing no signs of improvement some Doctors would recommend a course of antibiotics, especially if you are elderly or diabetic. This would not be given to make you better but to stop you from developing a secondary infection. Occasionally a virus can affect the body so badly that you will be vulnerable to germ infections such as pneumonia.

When you are ill with a virus the following measures will help:

• Plenty of rest. You can sign yourself off work for up to a week with a self certificate. Your employer should be able to give you one of these and tell you how to use it. This means rest in bed or better still sleep; not sitting in front of daytime TV with your feet up.

• Plenty of fluids. The body loses fluid during an infection becuase the temperature goes up as part of the body is attempt to fight off the virus. Water or squash are best, you should drink two or three pints a day.

• Steam inhalations. These will help to clear the lungs and the nasal passages. If you buy some menthol crystals from the chemist you will find these help also. Put the crystals in the hot water (you dont need many) and then put a towel over your head.

• Paracetamol will help you to feel better and help you to sleep if you take it at bed time.

• Rub ins can help with the muscle aches and pains - radian B is a good one.

• Fresh fruit such as oranges and grapes help the body by providing vitamin C.

• Take only a light diet: the body has to use up energy to break down the food you eat. Stick to soup, toast and other easily digestible foods.

• If you are prone to sore throats, gargle with an antiseptic.I usually recommend Betadine (available over-the counter) which has Iodine in it.Unlike anti-biotics, antiseptics can be used as frequently as one likes.This is because germs do not generally become resistant to antiseptics as they work in a different way. Some people are allergic to Iodine-so try it on the back of your hand first. In the summer months grow sage; you can make a Tisanne with this with hot water which helps sore throats. Sage has astringent and antibacterial properties. There is some evidence that a herbal preparation called Echinacea has beneficial effects on the immune system.

• If your ears get bunged up with mucus, try saline drops. Although not pleasant they sometimes help to prevent ear infections. Prepare the drops by dissolving a teaspoon of sea salt in some hot water. Let it cool. Lie flat on the bed, with your head tipped slightly back over the edge. Using a teaspoon, drip some of the solution slowly down each nostril in turn. Try not to swallow, if you do, you will just swallow the drops. You should feel the solution dripping down the back of your throat and being sucked up by the Eustachian tube which connects the middle ear with the mouth. This has a sucking action (which is why we get ear ifections, the tube sucks up germs from our mouths. Hence the importance of good dental hygeine). The saline solution acts as a physical lavage or rinse as well as having mild antiseptic properties.

What if it isn't a virus?

Not all infections are caused by viruses. The tonsillitis germ (streptococcus) causes throat infections and pneumonia. However it can be difficult to know especially in the early stages whether a throat infection is due to a virus or this germ. It is thought that white spots on the tonsils indicate infection: unfortunately these can occur in some virus infections as well. Swabs from the throat are not always helpful as it is possible to grow the germ in people who are well and sometimes not in people whom one is convinced have the germ. If the Doctor thinks you have a bad dose of tonsillitis (and this is essentially a subjective judgement) then they might prescribe antibiotic. You are equally likely to be prescribed an antiseptic gargle (Betadine) as this is often just as good or a combination of the two.

You can buy Betadine over the counter-you might have to order it from the chemist.It is particularly useful for people who are prone to tonsillitis.Gargling for a couple of days at the first sign of sore throat can sometimes stop an attack in its tracks.I usually suggest one dilutes the solution with as much water in the white cap which comes with the product.You need to gargle at least 10 times and spit the solution back in the white cap/cup.As you gargle you should find the solution changes colour,progressivley becoming lighter as the iodine is absorbed by the back of the throat and the germs that live there.If you've been prescribed  some antibiotics then use the gargle for a few days after you've finished the course.Betadine can also kill the thrush germ and works against some viruses.Some people are allergic to iodine so try some on the back of your hand.If you have a known sensitivity to metals such as nickel,dont use it.

Severe illness can be caused by germs: Pneumonia being one. The severity of the illness is usually the best guide. If it is thought that you have a severe illness which is not caused by a virus then your Doctor will choose the most appropriate antibiotic to treat it. This may not always work as more and more germs are becoming resistant to the commonly used antibiotics. This is why Doctors are increasingly unwilling to prescribe antibiotics in the early stages of an illness.