Antibiotics
are medicines used to prevent and treat bacterial infections.
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change themselves and develop new strains and types that do not respond to treatment using the same antibiotics.
This occurs due to the misuse of antibiotics without consulting a doctor and without a prescription.
Using antibiotics without a prescription leads to:
- The emergence of antibiotic resistance faster.
- The effectiveness of current antibiotics in treating bacterial infections decreases.
- Minor infections such as ear infections become more serious.
- Hospitalization cases increase.
- The costs of treatment and examinations increase.
- The number of deaths increases.
Prevention and reduction of the spread of antibiotic resistance:
The role of individuals:
- Avoid using antibiotics without a prescription.
- Do not insist on asking the doctor for antibiotics when not needed.
- Follow the doctor's instructions in taking the antibiotic according to the prescription.
- Do not share the remaining antibiotics with others.
Reduce the risk of infection transmission by:
- Washing hands constantly
- Avoiding contact with patients.
- Preparing food in a healthy way.
- Drinking potable water.
- Taking the necessary vaccinations.
When in a health facility:
- Remind the healthcare provider to wash hands before touching the patient or handling medical devices.
- Allow healthcare workers to clean their rooms daily
- Wash hands regularly.
The role of healthcare providers:
- Do not prescribe antibiotics unless needed according to current guidelines.
- Educate patients on how to take antibiotics as prescribed.
- Raise patients' awareness of infection prevention methods such as frequent hand washing and others.
- Prevent infection by ensuring hand hygiene by washing them regularly with soap and water or using hand sanitizer, including before and after wound care or touching a medical device.
- Follow basic infection control practices to reduce the risk of spreading bacteria to patients.
- Notify surveillance teams of infections resulting from bacterial resistance when they occur.
Guidelines when taking antibiotics:
- Take the dose according to the treatment plan and doctor's prescription.
- Complete the course of treatment even when feeling better.
- If you forget a dose, take it as soon as possible.
- Do not double the dose to make up for the deficiency.
- Do not take the missed dose if it is close to the time for the next dose.
FAQs about antibiotics:
- Should I stop taking the antibiotic when I feel better?
The antibiotic should not be stopped until the full prescription is completed, even if you feel better.
- Should I see a doctor before taking antibiotics?
Yes, as the doctor is responsible for prescribing the antibiotic according to the health condition and giving the patient instructions on how to use it.
- Why don't I feel better despite taking antibiotics when I have the flu?
Because the flu is a viral infection, and antibiotics only treat bacterial infections.