What is antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria change to protect themselves from being killed by an antibiotic.
When this happens, they are then no longer sensitive to that antibiotic.
It is now a global public health issue and we can all play a part in slowing it down for future generations.
Why are antibiotic-resistant infections concerning?
If you have an antibiotic-resistant infection:
- you will have the infection for longer
- you may be more likely to develop complications
- you could remain infectious for longer and therefore, pass your infection to others.
How does overuse impact the effectiveness of antibiotics?
Using antibiotics when you don’t need them may mean that they won’t work for you when you do need them in the future.
Antibiotics do not work against viruses. Many common respiratory tract infections such as colds and flu are caused by viruses, so antibiotics are of no use.
If you are usually healthy and well, your immune system will take care of most respiratory tract infections.
What can you do?
You can help contain antibiotic resistance by:
- understanding that most people don’t need antibiotics for colds and flu caused by viruses
- telling your doctor you only want an antibiotic if it is really necessary
- taking the right dose of antibiotic at the right time as prescribed by your doctor
- taking your antibiotics for as long as your doctor tells you to.
