Antibiotics

How Bacteria Become Resistant

Bacteria can change in ways that reduce or block the effect of antibiotics. These changes may protect the bacteria or allow them to break down the medicine. When some bacteria survive a round of antibiotics, they multiply and pass their protection to new bacteria.

Sometimes bacteria even pass resistance to other types of bacteria, spreading the problem further. Bacteria naturally become more resistant over time, but the way people use antibiotics can make this happen faster. How doctors prescribe and how patients take antibiotics has a big impact on how quickly resistance spreads.

When Antibiotics Are Used Too Much

Using antibiotics when they are not needed causes resistance to grow. About one out of every three antibiotic prescriptions for people is unnecessary. Antibiotics work against bacteria, not viruses.

Many illnesses, such as colds, flu, most coughs, runny noses, and some sinus infections are caused by viruses. Taking an antibiotic for these conditions does not help and can actually make things worse. Common examples of when people often misuse antibiotics include:

• Sore throat not caused by strep (which is bacterial)
• Colds and runny noses (viral)
• Most ear and sinus infections (can be viral)
• Stomach viruses

Taking antibiotics in these cases:

• Does not cure viral infections.
• Does not keep others from getting sick.
• Does not make people feel better faster.
• Can cause unnecessary side effects.
• Helps bacteria in the body become resistant.

If people take antibiotics when not needed, they can harm the “good” bacteria that help keep the body healthy. This allows resistant bacteria to grow and spread more easily.

How to Use Antibiotics the Right Way

Responsible antibiotic use helps protect everyone. People should always follow their doctor’s instructions exactly. It’s important to take the full course, even if symptoms improve before the medicine is finished. Stopping too soon leaves some bacteria alive, and those can multiply or spread resistance. Ways to use antibiotics responsibly include:

• Only take antibiotics prescribed for your specific illness.
• Do not use antibiotics meant for someone else.
• Never save antibiotics for another time.
• Report any side effects to a healthcare provider.
• Always finish the full treatment, even after feeling better.

It’s also important not to pressure healthcare providers to prescribe antibiotics if they say they are not needed. Trusting medical advice helps prevent misuse.

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The Impact of Resistant Bacteria

Antibiotic resistance leads to more difficult-to-treat infections. Millions of people face infections from resistant bacteria each year, and thousands die as a result. The consequences of antibiotic resistance include:

• More serious and long-lasting sickness.
• Hospital stays that last longer.
• More doctor visits and increased medical costs.
• Less effective medicines, leading to limited treatment options.

Effect of Resistance	Example
Longer illness	More days feeling sick
Harder-to-treat infections	Standard drugs may not work
Extra costs	More tests and hospital care
Increased risk of death	Infections may not respond

As resistance increases, doctors struggle to find medicines that work. Sometimes, infections once easy to treat now require strong antibiotics with more side effects, or in some cases, there might be no effective antibiotic left at all.

Protecting Antibiotics for the Future

People can help protect antibiotics by using them carefully and correctly. Healthcare providers and hospitals now follow strict guidelines to make sure antibiotics are only used when truly needed and in the right way. This slows down the spread of resistant bacteria. Steps everyone can take to help slow resistance:

• Avoid Unnecessary Antibiotics: Not every sickness needs antibiotics.
• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands well with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Keep Wounds Clean: Properly care for cuts to avoid infection.
• Get Suggested Vaccines: Some vaccines protect against bacterial diseases.
• Follow Food Safety: Wash hands before cooking and eating, and cook foods completely.
• Complete All Prescriptions: Take each dose as prescribed, without skipping.
• Never Use Leftovers: Do not take old antibiotics from past illnesses.
• Never Share with Others: Antibiotics are only safe for the person they are prescribed to.

Healthcare providers can help by:

• Correctly identifying infections before prescribing antibiotics.
• Following updated guidelines for diagnosis and treatment.
• Teaching patients about when antibiotics are and aren’t needed.

Hospitals and clinics improve their practices through programs that track how antibiotics are used and encourage responsible prescribing.

Key Reminders

• Antibiotics only fight bacteria, not viruses.
• Unneeded antibiotics can be harmful.
• Everyone has a part in keeping antibiotics useful for the future.

By making smart choices, people can help slow the growth of resistance and make sure antibiotics continue to work when they are truly needed.