Definition:
Antibiotic resistance occurs when a bacteria changes in a way that reduces or eliminates the effectiveness of antiobiotic drugs. Antiobiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria, and they have saved countless lives.
However, misuse of these medications has led to antibiotic resistance. This affects all of us because bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics can cause longer or more complicated illnesses, more visits to the doctor, the need to use stronger and more expensive medications and more bacterial infection-related deaths.
To help cut down on antibiotic resistance you can:
- only take medications prescribed for you
- finish all of the antibiotics as prescribed
- be sure not to skip doses
- talk to your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your medication or how to take it
