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Antibiotic Resistant Diseases

Antibiotic Resistance is the ability of bacteria or other microbes to resist the effects of an antibiotic medicine.

The number of bacteria resistant to antibiotics has increased in the last decade. Many bacterial infections are becoming resistant to the most commonly prescribed antibiotic treatments.

Repeated and improper uses of antibiotics are primary causes of the increase in drug-resistant bacteria.

Antibiotics are effective when treating bacterial infections, but ineffective against viral infections such as colds and flu.

When antibiotics fail to work, the consequences are longer-lasting illnesses, more doctor visits or extended hospital stays, and the need for more expensive and toxic medications. Some resistant infections can even cause death.

To prevent antibiotic resistance:

• Take antibiotics exactly as your doctor tells you.
• Don't skip doses.
• Finish all your medication, even if feeling better.
• Do not save antibiotics for use later.
• Do not demand antibiotics when a doctor tells you they are not needed.
• Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else.