Do antibiotics reduce human immunity?
Disease description:
I took quite a few antibiotics for an illness recently. After recovering, I felt physically weak. I heard from someone that antibiotics can lower immunity. Is that true?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
In general, short-term use of antibiotics does not reduce human immunity, but excessive and long-term use may potentially weaken it.
Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections by killing bacteria or inhibiting their growth. For diseases caused by bacterial infections, appropriate use of antibiotics can rapidly alleviate symptoms and aid in patient recovery, thereby supporting the normal function of the immune system. Therefore, when antibiotics are correctly diagnosed and administered at appropriate dosages, they benefit the immune system and do not impair immunity.
However, if antibiotics are misused or used excessively over a long period, they may affect not only harmful bacteria but also the body's normal microbial flora, which could negatively impact the immune system. Over time, such disruption of the microbial balance may lead to reduced immunity, making the body more susceptible to attacks from other pathogens.
When using antibiotics, it is essential to strictly follow medical instructions and not to adjust the dosage or prolong the duration of use on your own. At the same time, maintaining a healthy lifestyle—including a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and sufficient sleep—also helps enhance immunity and prevent diseases.
