The rapid emergence of resistant bacteria can be observed worldwide and threatens the effectiveness of antibiotics that have saved millions of lives. Increasing bacterial resistance to antimicrobials is the cause of serious infections, complications, longer hospital stays and increased mortality. Also, the costs of antibiotic resistance to health systems and national economies are considerable.
To prevent and control the spread of antibiotic resistance, individuals should only take antibiotics when prescribed by their treating physician. One should not use antibiotics prescribed for a friend or a family member for a similar condition in their case.
The decision on their use should be taken only by your treating physician. According to Dr Arjun Dasgupta, “If our behaviour towards antibiotics does not change, even new antibiotics will eventually become ineffective. If we appropriately use antibiotics, antibiotics can again effectively kill bacteria’s. The unnecessary use of antibiotics is one of the main reasons for the increasing prevalence of antibiotics resistance.”
