HealthFirst Laconia
22 Strafford Street #1
Laconia, NH 03246
(603) 366-1070
M-T-F 8:00am - 5:00pm
W-TH 8:00am - 7:00pm
HealthFirst Franklin
841 Central Street
Franklin, NH 03235
(603) 934-1464
M-TH-F 8:00am - 5:00pm
T-W 8:00am - 7:00pm
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Careers
    • Governance
    • Navigators
    • Quality Care
  • Services
    • Primary Care
    • Family Medicine
    • Women’s Health
    • Health Education
    • Diabetes Management
    • Nutrition
    • Behavioral Health
    • Preventative Care
  • Patient Information
    • Become a New Patient
    • Transportation
    • Health Insurance-Financial Assistance
    • Patient Portal
  • Meet Our Providers
  • Community Resources
  • Events
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

Antibiotic Resistance

February 8, 2017RickAntibiotics

As we move towards better medical practices, we often find clients asking their provider, “Why can’t you give me an antibiotic?”

Antibiotics have been a life saver since the 1920s, when penicillin was discovered. Since then, we have had several generations of antibiotics designed to treat specific bacteria, while others are broad spectrum (meaning these medications target several different types of bacteria).

Having repeated exposure to antibiotics causes more sensitivities, allergic reactions and, at times, resistance to bacteria. When your body becomes resistant, the antibiotic loses its efficacy or ability to properly kill the bacteria that is causing your illness. In turn, some providers will then treat you with more medication for longer periods of time, exposing your immune system to other problems like yeast infections.

Exposure to antibiotics can cause symptoms like rashes, headaches, dizziness, upset stomach, abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea or at its worst, severe allergic reactions.  Illnesses such as colds, sore throat (viral pharyngitis), acute bronchitis (cough), sinusitis, and nonspecific upper respiratory infection are conditions that do not require antibiotic treatment as a first line of intervention.

Tips on how to prevent the spread of infection are:

  • wash your hands
  • cover your cough or sneeze
  • call HealthFirst for suggestions with over-the-counter medication treatments or to schedule an office visit

The more educated we become, the better advocates we will be in protecting our bodies from unnecessary medications, and preventing resistance.

For more articles on this subject, please see:

  • The Danger of Antibiotic Overuse
  • Antibiotics Aren’t Always the Answer
  • Five Frightening Consequences of Overusing Antibiotics
Tags: antibiotic resistance, antibiotic sensitivity, antibiotics, broad spectrum antibiotics, penicillin

News & Events

It is with great pride that HealthFirst Franklin and Laconia announce we have again been recognized as a Level III Patient-Centered Medical Home by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Level III is the highest possible rating. This reflects the hard work and dedication of HealthFirst staff who truly care about our patients and improving their health outcomes. #HealthFirstIsQualityCare

PCMH icon 2016

Contact Us

Have a question? Please call our Franklin location at (603) 934-1464 or our Laconia location at (603) 366-1070

CONTACT US

Locations

Directions & Maps

HealthFirst Franklin
841 Central Street #101
Franklin, NH 03235
(603) 934-1464

HealthFirst Laconia
22 Strafford Street #1
Laconia, NH 03246
(603) 366-1070

About Us

  • Navigators
  • Governance
  • Quality Care
  • HealthChat Blog

Services

  • Primary Care
  • Family Medicine
  • Women’s Health
  • Health Education
  • Nutrition
  • Behavioral Health
  • Preventative Care

Other Links

  • Providers
  • Patient Information
  • Resources
Copyright 2017 Health First Family