Antibiotic Resistance

 

Why antibiotics may stop working

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💊 What are antibiotics?

 Antibiotics are medicines used to kill bacteria or stop bacteria from growing.

They are used to treat infections like:

✅ Tonsillitis
✅ Urinary tract infection (UTI)
✅ Skin infection
✅ Pneumonia
✅ Tuberculosis

👉 Important: Antibiotics only work for bacteria, NOT viruses.

They do NOT treat:
❌ Flu
❌ Common cold
❌ Most coughs
❌ Viral sore throat

 

🦠 What is Antibiotic Resistance?

What does “antibiotic resistance” mean?

Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria become stronger and the antibiotic can no longer kill them.

👉 The medicine that used to work… no longer works.

The bacteria “learn” how to survive.

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Why does this happen?

Main causes:

❌ Taking antibiotics when not needed
❌ Not finishing the full course
❌ Sharing antibiotics with others
❌ Using leftover antibiotics
❌ Overuse of antibiotics

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Why is it dangerous?

Antibiotic resistance can cause:

⚠ Longer illness
⚠ More hospital admission
⚠ Stronger and more expensive medicines needed
⚠ Higher medical costs
⚠ Risk of death in severe infections

Simple example:
Before → 3 days cure
Now → 10–14 days or hospital stay

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How can YOU help prevent resistance?

✔ Only take antibiotics prescribed by doctor
✔ Finish ALL medicines even if you feel better
✔ Do not demand antibiotics for flu/cold
✔ Never share medicine
✔ Practice good hygiene (hand washing)
✔ Get vaccinated

👉 Use antibiotics wisely, so they work when you really need them.

 

✅ Quick Reminder

🧠 Not all infections need antibiotics
🧠 Follow doctor’s advice
🧠 Finish the course