IS ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE GETTING OUT OF CONTROL?

The overuse of antibiotics has seen the increase in fatal drug resistant infections in the United States, making this a serious health problem.

Antibiotic resistance is when an antibiotic resists to work against disease causing bacteria, which in turn makes the disease harder to treat and requires the use of more toxic and expensive medication. This also increases the risk of the disease spreading to others.

Antibiotics are meant for the treatment of bacterial infections such as strep throat, and not against viruses (colds, flue and coughs). When they are used for purposes other than what they are intended for, they become weak against the bacteria which they are intended to treat. Therefore extreme care should be taken when using them.

Discuss with your healthcare provider the necessity for antibiotics and alternative remedies to relieve symptoms.

Only take them as prescribed without missing a dose, and make sure the entire course is taken even though you feel better sooner, as this may not have destroyed all the bacteria.

A successful campaign on antibiotic resistance in Belgium has resulted in the sale of antibiotics declining by 30% over the past 7 years.