19-10
When not to use antibiotics
No antibiotic helps the common cold or measles, as these infections are caused
by viruses.
Nor do antibiotics work for fungus infections (thrush or moniliasis). In fact,
the opposite is true. Using a broad-range antibiotic for several days can actually
cause a fungus infection. If this happens, the person should usually stop using the
antibiotic.
To help students realize the limitations of antibiotics, include cards for viruses,
fungus infections, and other problems in the game. Students will search for
antibiotics to fit them—and find none. That way, they will discover which diseases
are not helped by antibiotics. This is an important lesson!
A student tries to find an antibiotic that will work for ‘thrush’. At
last he gives up—because there is none.