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War on germs

Keeping antimicrobials working in cold and flu season and beyond

Microbes, aka germs, are tiny organisms that surround us and can live on or inside us. Almost all are harmless or even beneficial, but the remainder are pathogenic, meaning they can cause infection and illness. These microorganisms are divided into classes, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, and different medications can kill them: antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and anthelmintics, respectively. Overuse or improper use of these medicines can cause germs to become resistant.

Taking an antimicrobial kills the germs, but sometimes stronger survivors are left to grow and multiply, especially if the full course of medication was not finished. These microorganisms can also become resistant through mutations and exchanging genetic material with each other.

We’ve had more than our share of practice with the current pandemic guidelines to take similar measures to prevent the spread of germs. Measures that help keep COVID at bay also work to avoid spreading some other microbes. They include:

• Frequent hand-washing and hand-sanitizing
• Not touching your face
• Staying at home when you are sick
• Getting vaccinated and taking all of your boosters

When taking antimicrobial medicines, remember to take your antibiotic exactly as directed and finish it.

Now that you’ve met the enemy and know how to stop it, get out there and fight those bugs.

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Kids and the flu

“Kids experience really substantial morbidity from flu, including hospitalization and death,” says Dr. Kristina K. Bryant, a physician and hospital epidemiologist at Norton Children’s Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky. “We also know that children play a key role in the transmission of flu within households and within the community, so it remains really important for children 6 months and older to be immunized.”—T. Foster Jones

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Costco Connection: Sanitizing solution and wipes, supplements, prescription antibiotics, and flu and COVID shots are available at Costco pharmacies.

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