Health ministry urges public to avoid antibiotic self-medication — Pajhwok

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…