Clinical microbiologists have issued a warning against using antibiotics to treat the common cold, emphasising that the condition, caused by viruses, does not respond to these medications. The experts highlighted that the unnecessary use of antibiotics, as well as antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial drugs, can lead to antimicrobial resistance, which makes these treatments less effective.
The Cleveland Clinic has clarified that antibiotics are intended to combat bacterial infections, not viral ones like the common cold. Despite this, many Nigerians use over-the-counter antibiotics such as Amoxil to treat persistent colds.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a situation where bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve and become resistant to medicines, complicating the treatment of infections and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death. AMR is largely driven by the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials across humans, animals, and plants. The WHO considers AMR a major global health threat, with 1.27 million deaths attributed to it in 2019.
Prof. Samuel Taiwo, a Consultant Clinical Microbiologist at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, has called for stricter prescription regulations for antibiotics and other antimicrobials. He emphasised that misuse is escalating the ineffectiveness of these medications and stressed the importance of educating healthcare providers and patients about appropriate use.
He further highlighted that in Nigeria, a significant proportion of antimicrobials are prescribed at the community level, an area that requires better regulation. “In developed countries, antimicrobials are available only with a medical prescription. In contrast, in Nigeria, even the strongest antibiotics can be purchased without one. This regulatory gap needs urgent attention.”
Prof. Comfort Akujobi from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, added that improper use of antibiotics contributes to the rise of resistance. She suggested alternatives like steam inhalation for alleviating cold symptoms.
Prof. Olufemi Ojo from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, stressed the necessity of accurate diagnosis before administering antibiotics. He explained that Antibiotics should not be used for viral infections. Misdiagnosis occurs when symptoms of a viral disease are mistaken for bacterial infections without proper laboratory tests. Enhanced diagnostic facilities could reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.”