Immune system after antibiotics

[mike1003]

Originally Posted by suzy_q2010

Antibiotics do not do anything to the immune system. They kill bacteria or inhibit their growth so that the immune system can mop them up or finish them off. They will not work against viruses but they will not "strengthen" a viral illness either. Sometimes people will get bacterial infections on top of a viral infection. Antibiotics are then indicated. That is not uncommon with flu.

Antibiotics can bump off normal bacteria in the bowel. Probiotics help those to recover.

If you have already had the flu it's kind of late to take the vaccine but would be a good idea to do so in the future. Everyone is at risk to get flu.

Bingo!

We have an answer!

[newtovenice]

Originally Posted by mike1003

Bingo!

We have an answer!

If antibiotics are never harmful, why do doctors prescribe women Diflucan to cure a yeast infection that is anticipated and caused by the disruption of the gut caused by the original antibiotic?

Why are probiotics needed if the antibiotic causes no harm?

Why? Because antibiotics kill off the beneficial bacterial. This is common knowledge.

Use antibiotics with caution as appropriate. Too many antibiotics can be extremely harmful to your immune system as 70% of your immune system is in the GI tract.

[Parnassia]

I don't think anyone implied that antibiotics were NEVER harmful to someone's "immune system". We know they can certainly affect your gut bacteria. That is a temporary and fixable issue, not one that persists for the long term. They don't harm bone marrow or spleen in addition to your gut. Possibly that was part of what the OP was asking.

[in_newengland]

Thread has run its course.