Antibiotics are important drugs. Many antibiotics can successfully treat infections caused by bacteria (bacterial infections). Antibiotics can prevent the spread of disease. And antibiotics can reduce serious disease complications.
But some antibiotics that used to be typical treatments for bacterial infections now do not work as well. And some drugs do not work at all against some bacteria. When an antibiotic no longer works against some strains of bacteria, those bacteria are said to be antibiotic resistant. Antibiotic resistance is one of the worlds most urgent health problems.
The overuse and misuse of antibiotics are key factors leading to antibiotic resistance. The general public, health care providers and hospitals all can help ensure correct use of the drugs. This can lessen the growth of antibiotic resistance.
What causes antibiotic resistance?
Bacteria resist a drug when the bacteria change in some way. The change may protect the bacteria from the drugs effects or limit the drugs access to the bacteria. Or the change may cause the bacteria to change the drug or destroy it.
Bacteria that survive an antibiotic treatment can multiply and pass on resistant properties. Also, some bacteria can pass on their drug-resistant properties to other bacteria. This is similar to them passing along tips to help each other survive.
The fact that bacteria develop resistance to a drug is normal and expected. But the way that drugs are used affects how quickly and to what degree resistance occurs.
Overuse of antibiotics
The overuse of antibiotics — especially taking antibiotics when they are not the correct treatment — promotes antibiotic resistance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one-third of antibiotic use in people is not needed nor appropriate.
Antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria. But they do not treat infections caused by viruses (viral infections). For example, an antibiotic is the correct treatment for strep throat, which is caused by bacteria. But it is not the right treatment for most sore throats, which are caused by viruses.
Other common viral infections that are not helped by the use of antibiotics include:
- Cold or runny nose
- Flu (influenza)
- Bronchitis
- Most coughs
- Some ear infections
- Some sinus infections
- Stomach flu
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Taking an antibiotic for a viral infection:
- Will not cure the infection
- Will not keep other people from getting sick
- Will not help you or your child feel better
- May cause needless and harmful side effects
- Promotes antibiotic resistance
If you take an antibiotic when you have a viral infection, the antibiotic attacks bacteria in your body. These are bacteria that are helpful or are not causing disease. This incorrect treatment can then promote antibiotic-resistant properties in harmless bacteria that can be shared with other bacteria. Or it can create an opportunity for potentially harmful bacteria to replace the harmless ones.
Taking antibiotics responsibly
It is tempting to stop taking an antibiotic as soon as you feel better. But you need to take the full treatment to kill the disease-causing bacteria. If you do not take an antibiotic as prescribed, you may need to start treatment again later. If you stop taking it, it can also promote the spread of antibiotic-resistant properties among harmful bacteria.
