If the same antibiotic is used regularly against a bacterium, it can become 'resistant'. This means that the bacteria are no longer sensitive to the antibiotic.
When you get an infection with such a resistant bacteria, antibiotics no longer help. These bacteria can then run unchecked, causing people to become very ill.
Fortunately, new antibiotics are found every now and then. But there are also more and more bacteria that no longer respond well to antibiotics. This is because antibiotics are used too often worldwide when they are not actually necessary. There are already bacteria that are almost impossible to treat with antibiotics. An example is MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus), which mainly occurs in environments where many antibiotics are used, such as hospitals, nursing homes and intensive livestock farming.
Preventing the development of resistant bacteria
Handling antibiotics very carefully is the only way to ensure that bacteria remain sensitive to antibiotics.
If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, it is important that you follow the prescribed treatment carefully. This is the only way to ensure that all bacteria are destroyed and prevent the development of resistant bacteria.
- Respect the doses and times
Take the daily amount carefully and at the prescribed time. Never skip a dose and use the prescribed amount. - Do not stop earlier than prescribed
Complete your antibiotic treatment. Even if you feel better after a few days. This is necessary because the bacteria are only gradually destroyed. - Do not keep the antibiotics
Never keep leftover antibiotics for next time. Take them to your pharmacist.
Only if necessary
Only use antibiotics if a doctor has assessed the infection and finds that antibiotics are necessary. Sometimes this requires tests, for example via a blood or urine sample, to accurately identify the organism and determine its sensitivity to different antibiotics. Also only use the type of antibiotics that the doctor has prescribed.
- Antibiotics do not help against viruses
Antibiotics are of no use for flu, colds, acute bronchitis and most forms of throat and ear infections. This is because these infections are caused by viruses. - Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria
Antibiotics only work when we are sick due to bacteria. Only then will they prove their usefulness. They can save lives in serious infections, such as pneumonia or bacterial meningitis. - Antibiotics are not always necessary for bacteria either
Bacterial infections also often heal spontaneously after a few days. The body has then produced specific antibodies that eliminate the invaders. This own immune system remains the best solution. Therefore, only take antibiotics if your doctor considers it necessary.
