Doctors are increasingly concerned about the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly during the flu season, as it fuels the growing epidemic of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), a major global health threat. In a conversation with Rising Kashmir health correspondent M. Peerzada, Dr. Syed Mudasir Qadri, Additional Professor, Department of Internal and Pulmonary Medicine, SKIMS Soura, discusses the reasons behind antibiotic misuse and advises on ways to prevent it, highlighting its role in worsening drug resistance.
What is self-medication?
SMQ: The literal meaning of self-medication is “the use of substances or drugs to treat a medical condition without the prior consultation of a doctor”. It is not an issue when patients consume OTC drugs (over the counter) like paracetamol, decongestants, NSAIDs, etc. for trivial issues like headache or flu but the problem arises when people start taking antibiotics on their own without consulting a doctor which is not wise.
How prevalent is antibiotic misuse it today in Kashmir?
Unfortunately, inappropriate use of antibiotics is highly prevalent in most parts of J&K. This is one of the main reasons contributing to the simmering epidemic of Antibiotic Resistance because of which we are fast losing the antibiotic armamentarium to fight against infections.
What are the common reasons for the misuse of antibiotics?
At the community level, self-medication is one of the main reasons. People want shortcuts and consume Antibiotics without the proper consultation and prescription. It is irresponsible and careless behavior. This happens mainly because of easy access to Antibiotics. To curb this practice, we need to have some strong regulations to control it.
At the Secondary and tertiary care level (Hospitals), the lack of proper Hospital Antibiotic Policy is the main reason. Other factors that add to inappropriate antibiotic use are lack of knowledge and no access to Hospital Antibiogram.
What has been done by SKIMS in this regard?
At SKIMS, we do have a hospital antibiotic policy and our microbiology department regularly updates the hospital Antibiogram annually which is available at the SKIMS website. This needs to be replicated at other hospitals as well plus we should have refresher courses on antibiotic resistance for the faculty and the junior doctors as well.
The season of viral infections is on and people continue antibiotics without prescription! Is it not harmful to health?
Exactly, winter season is the worst affected period when the taps of antibiotics are opened for even the mildest form of flu symptoms. People need to understand that the winter season is the time for the increase in seasonal flu and common colds and both are caused by viral infections where antibiotics have no role. The flu or common cold just needs symptomatic treatment. Kindly refrain from the unnecessary use of antibiotics as it only worsens the Menace of drug resistance.
Since HMPV has come to light what is your advice to people on use of antibiotics?
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a known cause of flu-like illness in the community. It has been in the community since decades and only causes a mild illness. Since it causes only a mild illness no specific vaccine was made for this virus. There’s no specific treatment for this virus. Majority of the kids get immunity (post-infection) to this virus by the age of 5 years.
Again, only supportive care is needed and antibiotics have no role, especially in the initial part of the illness. Antibiotics have a role only in case of suspected superadded bacterial infection and should only be taken on the advice of a physician.
The most important advice is that we don’t need to panic as the cases that are being reported in India are the routine cases caused by already present HMPV in the community and most of these cases have either completely recovered or are on the path to recovery.
How can people boost their immune system to reduce the risk of infections? What precautions are needed during cold, flu season to minimize the need for treatment?
Winters lead to dry weather and dry and cold weather which diminishes the local and systemic immune response. Decreased sun exposure adds to it. So, it’s important to keep our immune system pumped up.
We need to keep ourselves warm with proper humidification, take a balanced healthy diet including fruits, maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid going out in extremely cold temperatures (avoid going out in the mornings and evenings). Do follow your doctor’s advice and take medications religiously and do go for the requisite vaccinations as well.
