18-14
For many acute infections it is important to keep taking the medicine for at least
2 or 3 days after fever or other signs of infection are gone. For some infections,
however, the length of treatment is longer:
‘strep’ sore throat and rheumatic fever . . . . . . . . 10 days
urinary tract infection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 days or more
syphilis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 days
‘bubos’ or lymphogranuloma venereum. . . . . 14 days
brucellosis or Malta fever. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 days
tuberculosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . at least 6 months
leprosy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . at least 2 years
It is also important to clear up any questions the
sick person may have about her treatment. Here are
some questions or doubts she might have:
• What side effects might I feel? Are they
dangerous? If they occur, should I stop taking
the medicine?
• I am pregnant. Will this medicine harm my baby? (Try to give no medicines
during pregnancy, if possible.)
• I am breast feeding. Will the medicine enter the milk and harm my baby?
• Is it all right to use this medicine along with other medication I am taking for
a different health problem?
• What foods should I avoid when taking this medicine? What foods should
I eat?
• What about drinking alcoholic beverages or smoking while I am taking
this medicine?
During training—both in role playing and in clinical practice—be sure health
workers give all the necessary advice for each medicine they recommend.
R E M E M B E R : MEDICINES CAN KILL.
BUT IF USED SENSIBLY, SOME MEDICINES
CAN PREVENT SUFFERING AND SAVE LIVES.