KABUL (Pajhwok): Amid reports of respiratory illnesses among some Kabul residents, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has warned against the self-use of antibiotics, saying they are ineffective against colds and other viral infections and can contribute to antimicrobial resistance.
In recent days, some Kabul residents have reported illnesses including flu-like symptoms and colds, with some suggesting that the cases could be linked to a new and mild wave of COVID-19. Health authorities, however, have not confirmed the claim.
Residents report respiratory illnesses
Najiba Kakar, a resident of Khushal Khan in Kabul, told Pajhwok Afghan News that members of her family had been developing respiratory symptoms one after another for about 20 days.
“For about 20 days, everyone in our family has been getting a cold and sore throat one after another. When one of us gets better, another becomes sick,” she said.
Kakar said the situation was concerning and added that a doctor who examined her daughter had suggested that the illness could be a “new but mild wave of coronavirus”. She said the doctor advised people to wear masks, maintain distance and avoid sharing utensils with infected people.
Zakia Ebrahimi, another Kabul resident, said her husband first developed cold symptoms, followed by her daughter, who developed a fever and runny nose.
“My husband caught a cold, and before he recovered, my daughter developed a fever and cold. Now everyone in the family is sick. Fever, sore throat, body aches and coughing have made us weak,” she said.
Ebrahimi said she had bought cold medicines and antibiotics, including ampicillin and erythromycin, from a nearby pharmacy for her family.
Another Kabul resident, Habibullah, said most members of his family had developed colds and sore throats in recent days.
“Most of our family members have had the same cold and sore throat for several days. I think it could be coronavirus,” he said.
Ministry warns against unnecessary antibiotics
The Ministry of Public Health, in a message titled “Do not use antibiotics without medical advice,” said antibiotics are used to treat certain bacterial infections but are not effective against colds and many viral illnesses.
It warned that unnecessary use of antibiotics can increase antimicrobial resistance and make some infections more difficult to treat in the future.
The ministry advised people to use antibiotics only on a doctor’s advice, not to keep leftover antibiotics for future use, not to share prescribed antibiotics with others and to follow health workers’ instructions on the use of medicines.
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