Why antibiotic resistance

Some bacteria have become so smart that only one type of antibiotic can kill them. This is dangerous! Everyone can play a part in reducing the number of antibiotics they take and making sure they take them correctly when needed. It is common to be given antibiotics to take for 3—14 days. Usually you start to feel better 48 hours after starting antibiotics, and you may wonder whether you really need to take the rest. These smarter bacteria can be passed from person to person, and if they cause an infection in someone else, the usual antibiotic may not work.

During winter, infections such as coughs and colds are more common. Most of these respiratory infections are caused by viruses, not bacteria, and taking antibiotics will not help. Make sure everyone in your family is up-to-date with their vaccinations — including a yearly flu jab. Check everyone in your family knows how to wash and dry their hands well.

Plain soap and water is best for regular handwashing. The overuse of antibacterial soap has contributed to the increase in antibiotic resistance. Read more about handwashing. Different antibiotics kill different bacteria. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. How Antibiotic Resistance Happens. Minus Related Pages. On This Page. Some help us. Some make people, crops, or animals sick. Some of those germs are resistant to antibiotics. Antibiotics kill germs that cause infections.

But antibiotic-resistant germs find ways to survive. Antibiotics also kill good bacteria that protect the body from infection. Antibiotic-resistant germs can multiply. Some resistant germs can also give their resistance directly to other germs. Once antibiotic resistance emerges, it can spread into new settings and between countries. Top of Page. Germ Defense Strategies Antibiotics fight germs bacteria and fungi. Examples of Defense Strategies for Germs Germs can use defense strategies to resist the effects of antibiotics.

Here are a few examples. Resistance Mechanisms Defense Strategies Resistance Mechanisms Defense Strategies Description Restrict access of the antibiotic Germs restrict access by changing the entryways or limiting the number of entryways.

Drug-resistant infections can lead to extended hospital stays, additional follow-up doctor visits, and the use of treatments that may be costly and potentially toxic. As antibiotic resistance spreads, it makes the antibiotic less effective so new treatments have to be developed to combat the resistant bacteria.

If there are no new drugs to fight the bacteria, treatment may be impossible. Skip to main content. What is Antibiotic Resistance?

Share Tweet Share Email Print. What Causes Antibiotic Resistance? Burden of Antibiotic Resistance Antibiotics have made many other medical advances possible, including transplants and cancer treatments.