Why should i worry about antibiotic resistance?

What are antibiotics? Antibiotics are drugs that fight (or prevent) infections caused by bacteria, some parasites and some fungi. Antibiotics can not fight infections caused by viruses (including most

). What is antibiotic resistance? Because many antibiotics are used (and sometimes misused) resistance to antibiotics is a common problem in many parts of the United States. It occurs when bacteria in your body changes, so antibiotics do not work effectively deal with them anymore. This can occur when bacteria are repeatedly exposed to the same antibiotics or when the bacteria remain in the body after you have taken antibiotics (for example, when someone does not complete a full course of antibiotics to medicine). These bacteria can multiply strattera and become sufficiently strong to resist antibiotics in the future. Why should I worry about antibiotic resistance? If you are taking antibiotics, which can not fight the bacteria, they must kill, your infection can last longer. Instead of better, your infection could worsen. You may have to make several visits to the doctor's office. You may need to take different medicines or go to the hospital to get stronger antibiotics intravenously (through a needle into a vein IV). At the same time, your family or other people you enter into contact with will be subjected to persistent bacteria you have. While these people may develop infections that are difficult to treat. Every time you take antibiotics when you do not need them or not take all antibiotics recommended by your doctor will increase the likelihood that you will ever get disease caused by resistant bacteria. When antibiotics are not needed? Antibiotics are not needed (and will not work against), viral infections such as colds, influenza (flu) or. You should ask your doctor to give you or your children antibiotics for viral infections. Instead, ask your doctor what you can do to feel better and relieve your symptoms while your body fights the infection. When it's good to take antibiotics? Antibiotics help to treat diseases caused by bacteria, some parasites and some fungi. These diseases include infections, such as

and. How should I take antibiotics that my doctor prescribes? Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Take all antibiotics

medications that your doctor gives you. Do not save some medicine the next time you are sick. If you miss at least 1 or 2 doses, some bacteria may remain in the body and resist future antibiotic treatment. What else can I do to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance? Wash your hands with soap before eating and after visiting the bathroom. Regular hand washing will help keep your health and reduce the need for antibiotics. Ask your doctor if you have all the vaccinations needed to protect themselves from disease. .