Antibiotics are medicines used to treat infections or diseases caused by bacteria (e.g. respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia). Antibiotics do not work on infections caused by viruses such as the common cold or the flu.
Antibiotics work by:
Blocking vital processes in bacteria, killing the bacteria, or stopping them from multiplying. Some bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics so they survive in the body despite the treatment.
Antibiotics resistance spreads due to:
· Over-use of antibiotics
· Inadequate dosage or duration of treatment with antibiotics
· Excessive use of antibiotics in livestock and fish farming.
· Poor infection control in hospitals and clinics.
· Lack of hygiene and poor sanitation.
· Carrying resistant bacteria during travel from food or the environment.
Antibiotics must be used wisely. Follow the below recommendations:
- Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when taking your antibiotics.
- Take the right dose of antibiotics at the right time, and for as long as prescribed by your doctor.
- Return unused antibiotics to your pharmacy for disposal; don’t keep them for another time.
- Don’t share antibiotics with others— they may have a different infection and this can lead to antibiotic resistance.
- Don’t take antibiotics for coldsand flu because they have no effect on viruses
- Practice good hygiene to avoid infections and prevent them from spreading.
- Do not use antibiotics to reduce fever as they have no effect in reducing high body temperature.