Drug-resistant infections can strike anyone—young or old, healthy or sick. Treating resistant infections costs the U.S. health care system an estimated $21 billion to $34 billion annually according to IDSA, we can only imagine the corresponding situation in a developing country like India.
Antibiotic resistance also complicates a variety of important medical procedures, including cancer chemotherapy, solid organ and bone marrow transplants, joint replacements, and other complex surgeries. The safety of these procedures depends upon the availability of effective antibiotics.
Take antibiotics only when prescribed by your doctor, but also don't be timid about asking if you feel you really need them.
Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections and not viral infections. Few common infections like influenza, common cold, a runny nose or a sore throat are generally viral infections. Ask your doctor for other ways to feel better as a common cold will usually last for around 7–10 days.
Antibiotic can kill susceptible bacteria in the body but there are chances that few resistant one will survive everytime you take antibiotic. Always complete the full prescription, as advised by your doctor, even if you feel better, because stopping treatment early might help the infection to return and also promotes the growth of drug-resistant bacteria.
Different antibiotics have different efficacy and bacterial coverage. Your doctor is best person to judge which antibiotic should be prescribe for various indications. Therefore never share antibiotics with others or use leftover prescriptions.
Remember, each time you take an antibiotic when it is not necessary, the effectiveness of the antibiotic decreases and it might not work the next time you really need it.
Only use antibiotics in your animals to control or treat infectious diseases under veterinary supervision. Don't use antibiotics in animals to promote their growth.
Misuse of antibiotics in livestock, aquaculture and crops is a key factor contributing to antibiotic resistance and its spread into the environment, food chain and humans. Always check, if the product you are consuming, like chicken, is antibiotic free.
Sneeze and cough into your elbow, not your hands, as it decreases the chances of spread of resistant infections.
Antibiotic can kill susceptible bacteria in the body but there are chances that few resistant one will survive everytime you take antibiotic. Always complete the full prescription, as advised by your doctor, even if you feel better, because stopping treatment early might help the infection to return and also promotes the growth of drug-resistant bacteria.