Antibiotics treat bacterial infections by targeting bacterial structures, while vaccines stimulate the immune system to prevent infections. Antibiotics are specific to bacteria, while vaccines protect against a broader range of pathogens, including viruses. Both contribute significantly to public health by treating and preventing infectious diseases.
Misuse of antibiotics can lead to:
Overuse may result in bacteria developing resistance, reducing the effectiveness of antibiotics.
Antibiotics can disturb the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, leading to digestive issues.
Misuse may increase the risk of allergic reactions to antibiotics.
Weakening the immune system may make individuals more susceptible to other infections.
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve and adapt, rendering antibiotics ineffective against them. This phenomenon is driven by the misuse or overuse of antibiotics, allowing resistant strains to survive and multiply. It poses a significant global health threat, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of spread.
A vaccine is a biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a specific disease. It typically contains a weakened or inactivated form of the pathogen, stimulating the immune system to recognize and combat the infectious agent. The body “learns” to defend itself, creating an immunological memory that enables a faster and more effective response upon future exposure. Vaccines have been instrumental in preventing and controlling infectious diseases, contributing to public health by reducing the spread and severity of various illnesses.