Many people are wondering about the treatment of COVID-19 which is now officially global. In fact, the news broke that antibiotics could treat the Coronavirus. How is the truth?

COVID-19 is a respiratory infection caused by the Coronavirus or the official name SARS-CoV-2. Transmission of the virus usually occurs through droplets from the victim when they cough, sneeze or speak.

Meanwhile, antibiotics are drugs to treat infections caused by bacteria. This medicine is used to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria in the body.


Can the Coronavirus be fought with antibiotics?

Viruses and bacteria are two very different microorganisms, from their structure to how they reproduce. Antibiotics work by attacking certain structures of bacteria that prevent them from reproducing or surviving.

This antibiotic-targeted structure is absent from viruses. Therefore, it is clear that COVID-19 cannot be prevented or even treated with antibiotics. Thus, taking antibiotics will not be helpful in suppressing the spread of the Coronavirus.

Taking antibiotics when not needed, for example in viral infections, can actually make bacteria resistant to antibiotics. It will certainly be detrimental if one day a bacterial infection occurs and there are no effective antibiotics to deal with it.

Administration of antibiotics to patients positively infected with Coronavirus is in fact possible, but only if the doctor considers the patient to be at risk for a bacterial infection or if the patient is known to have suffered additional infection with bacteria.


So what drugs can fight the Coronavirus?

So far, no vaccine or drug has proven effective against infection with the Coronavirus. Despite this, researchers are working to develop vaccines and drugs to prevent and treat COVID-19.

The most important thing to implement now is preventive measures so that the virus does not spread and the risk of infection is reduced. The trick is to wash your hands regularly with clean water and soap, keep at least 1 meter away from sick people, and keep your immune system in good shape.

If you have a cough or cold, it is also advisable to wear a mask and avoid travel for a while. Check with your doctor for medications that can relieve symptoms. If the pain does not improve for more than a week, see a doctor for further treatment.

Remember not to use antibiotics recklessly without a doctor's advice. If the doctor prescribes an antibiotic, use it according to the dosage and duration determined by the doctor. Do not stop taking antibiotics prematurely, even if your symptoms improve.