Understanding Antibiotics: What Every Patient Should Know
Antibiotics are one of modern medicine’s greatest breakthroughs, saving millions of lives by treating bacterial infections that were once deadly. But despite their widespread use, antibiotics are often misunderstood — leading to misuse, resistance, and avoidable side effects. At Chase Lodge Hospital, we believe that understanding how antibiotics work is crucial to protecting your health and preserving their effectiveness for future generations.
In this blog, we’ll explore what antibiotics are, when they’re needed, the risks of overuse, and how Chase Lodge Hospital ensures safe and appropriate prescribing for every patient.
What Are Antibiotics?
Antibiotics are medicines designed to fight infections caused by bacteria. They work by either killing the bacteria directly or preventing them from multiplying, giving your body’s immune system a better chance to fight off the infection.
They do not work against viruses, which means they are ineffective for illnesses such as the common cold, flu, most sore throats, and COVID-19. Taking antibiotics when they’re not needed won’t help you recover faster — and may do more harm than good.
Common bacterial infections treated with antibiotics include:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Certain types of pneumonia
Strep throat
Skin infections
Some sexually transmitted infections (e.g. chlamydia)
The Dangers of Antibiotic Misuse
The overuse and misuse of antibiotics are leading to a growing global health threat: antibiotic resistance. This occurs when bacteria evolve to become resistant to the drugs that are supposed to kill them. Resistant bacteria can spread quickly, causing infections that are harder — and sometimes impossible — to treat.
In the UK, the rise in antibiotic-resistant infections is a serious concern. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), over 2,000 deaths a year are linked to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Misuse includes:
Taking antibiotics for viral infections
Not completing the full prescribed course
Using leftover antibiotics or sharing them with others
Taking antibiotics “just in case” without medical advice
At Chase Lodge Hospital, we take this issue seriously and follow strict antimicrobial stewardship guidelines to ensure antibiotics are only prescribed when truly necessary.
How Are Antibiotics Prescribed?
Our clinicians at Chase Lodge Hospital begin with a thorough assessment of your symptoms, medical history, and — where needed — diagnostic tests. If a bacterial infection is suspected, we may prescribe antibiotics that target the specific type of bacteria likely to be responsible.
In some cases, we might recommend:
Delayed prescriptions – You only take the antibiotics if symptoms worsen.
Narrow-spectrum antibiotics – These target a specific group of bacteria, reducing the risk of resistance.
Culture testing – Sending a sample (e.g. urine or throat swab) to the lab to confirm which bacteria are present and which antibiotics are effective.
This approach ensures you receive the most effective treatment with the least risk.
What to Expect When Taking Antibiotics
Most antibiotics are taken orally in tablet or capsule form, but some are given as injections or infusions in more serious cases. Common side effects include:
Nausea or diarrhoea
Abdominal discomfort
Yeast infections (e.g. thrush)
Allergic reactions (rare but potentially serious)
To minimise side effects and ensure effectiveness:
Always complete the full course, even if you feel better.
Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed, ideally at evenly spaced times.
Avoid alcohol with certain antibiotics, as it can reduce effectiveness or increase side effects.
Let your clinician know about any allergies or ongoing medications.
If you experience any unusual or severe symptoms while on antibiotics, contact Chase Lodge Hospital immediately.
Supporting You Beyond the Prescription
At Chase Lodge Hospital, our role doesn’t end when we write a prescription. We provide:
Clear, jargon-free guidance on how and when to take your medication
Follow-up care to ensure your infection is resolving
Support if alternative treatments are needed
Advice on preventing future infections through lifestyle and hygiene
We are also committed to educating our patients about the importance of preserving antibiotics for future generations — because when antibiotics lose their power, everyone is at risk.
Final Thoughts
Antibiotics are powerful tools, but they’re not always the answer. The best way to use them is wisely, guided by a trusted healthcare professional. At Chase Lodge Hospital, we combine clinical expertise with compassionate care to ensure antibiotics are prescribed only when truly beneficial — protecting both your health and the health of our wider community.
If you have questions about antibiotics, need treatment for an infection, or are unsure whether your symptoms need medical attention, contact Chase Lodge Hospital today. We’re here to guide you toward the safest and most effective path to recovery.
