09 Mar
Antibiotics are used to treat or prevent some types of bacterial infections. They are not effective against viral infections, such as the common cold or flu.
Antibiotic resistance occurs when microorganisms like bacteria and fungi develop the ability to overcome the antimicrobial drugs designed to kill them. This results in the growth of these germs.
Infections that are caused by antibiotic-resistant germs are really hard to overcome, as in most circumstances resulting in prolonged stay at hospitals. These antibiotic-resistant germs result in additional follow-up, increased healthcare costs and so on.
Antibiotic Resistance is a global threat
Antibiotic resistance has the potential to affect people at any stage of life, especially in industries like healthcare, veterinary, making it one of the most crucial public health problems. The complete avoidance of the risk of these resistant infections is not really possible, especially for people with chronic diseases. If the antibiotics keep being used irrationally in some cases, it may result in decreased effectiveness to kill germs. This results in inability to treat infections and manage public health outcomes.
Prevention
- Only use antibiotics when prescribed by a healthcare professional.
- Do not look for fast treatments with antibiotics by yourself, do not demand these medications without a prescription.
- Never skip a dose or end the treatment if you think you got better.
- Do not share or use leftover antibiotics.
- Decrease the risk of infections by regularly washing your hands, being hygienic when cooking meals, avoid contact with sick individuals, keep your vaccinations up to date.
- Try to prefer organic foods instead of ones that have antibiotics to promote their growth.
- Practice healthy habits around animals, Always clean your hands after touching, feeding and caring for animals, Keep yourself and your animal healthy.
- When traveling abroad, know that vaccinations are needed, check health precautions, stick with safe foods and drinks, to stay healthy.
- Lower your risk of STDs by choosing appropriate sexual protection precautions. For example Gonorrhea, a common STD, can be resistant for drugs intended to cure it.
Takeaway
Healthy habits can protect you from infections and help stop germs from spreading. Get recommended vaccines, keep hands and wounds clean, and take good care of chronic conditions, like diabetes. Keep your healthcare professional updated of your signs and symptoms. Trust the guidance of healthcare professionals in your journey of a healthy life.
References:
- “Protect Yourself and Your Family | Antibiotic/Antimicrobial Resistance | CDC.” https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/protecting_yourself_family.html (accessed Mar. 08, 2021)
- “Antibiotic resistance.” https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antibiotic-resistance (accessed Mar. 08, 2021).
- “Antibiotic resistance – NHS.” https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/antibiotics/antibiotic-antimicrobial-resistance/ (accessed Mar. 08, 2021)
