Nearly a century after Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, medical professionals are struggling to correct widespread public misconceptions about the antibiotic. Macarena Ruiz, an academic at the University of Andrés Bello in Concepción, says these myths contribute to the dangerous rise of antibiotic resistance.
Dispelling persistent medical myths
Many patients mistakenly believe that penicillin can treat viral infections like the common cold or the flu. Ruiz explains that because penicillin is designed specifically to combat bacteria, it has no effect on viruses.
"When illnesses like the common cold or the flu are caused by viruses, the use of penicillin does not produce any benefit," Ruiz said. "It does not act on viral agents, nor does it improve symptoms or shorten the duration of the illness."
Ruiz also addressed the common belief that a childhood allergy to penicillin is a lifelong condition. She notes that many people who report an allergy actually experienced a mild adverse reaction or a skin rash that was not a true allergic response. According to the expert, research suggests up to 90% of people who believe they are allergic to penicillin do not actually have the condition. She encourages patients to undergo formal testing to confirm or rule out the allergy, as penicillin remains a vital treatment option for many bacterial infections.
Another significant issue involves patients stopping their medication as soon as they feel better. Ruiz warns that this behavior is a primary driver of treatment failure and bacterial resistance.
"Although the patient feels better, bacteria may remain alive in the organism," she stated. "If the treatment is finished before indicated, those bacteria can survive and become even more resistant."
Public health agencies, including Chile’s Ministry of Health (MINSAL) and the Institute of Public Health (ISP), have intensified efforts to regulate the sale of antibiotics. These policies aim to ensure that medications are only dispensed with a valid prescription.
Ruiz emphasizes that the responsibility for preserving the efficacy of these drugs lies with the public. She advises patients to strictly follow medical instructions, avoid self-medicating, and consult a doctor before assuming they have an antibiotic allergy. Protecting these medicines is a matter of public health, as unnecessary use threatens the ability of modern medicine to treat common infections in the future.
