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Antibiotics, also known as antimicrobial drugs, are drugs that fight infections
caused by bacteria. After their discovery in the 1940's they transformed medical
care and dramatically reduced illness and death from infectious diseases. However,
over the decades the bacteria that antibiotics control have developed resistance
to these drugs. Today, virtually all important bacterial infections in the United
States and throughout the world are becoming resistant. For this reason, antibiotic
resistance is among CDC's top concerns.
Antibiotic resistance can cause significant danger and suffering for children
and adults who have common infections, once easily treatable with antibiotics.
Antibiotic Resistance- what it is and how it happens:
Antibiotic use promotes development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Antibiotic
resistance occurs when bacteria change in some way that reduces or eliminates
the effectiveness of drugs, chemicals, or other agents designed to cure or prevent
infections. The bacteria survive and continue to multiply causing more harm.
Widespread use of antibiotics promotes the spread of antibiotic resistance.
While antibiotics should be used to treat bacterial infections, they are not
effective against viral infections like the common cold, most sore throats,
and the flu.
Smart use of antibiotics is the key to controlling the spread of resistance
What does CDC recommend?
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Only use antibiotics when they are likely to be
beneficial.
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By visiting this website you are taking the first step to reducing your
risk of getting antibiotic-resistant infections. It is important to understand
that, although they are very useful drugs, antibiotics designed for bacterial
infections are not useful for viral infections such as a cold, cough,
or flu.
How can you prevent antibiotic-resistant infections?
- Talk with your health care provider about antibiotic resistance.
- Ask whether an antibiotic is likely to be beneficial for your
illness.
- Ask what else you can do to feel better sooner.
- Do not take an antibiotic for a viral infection like a cold or the
flu.
- Do not save some of your antibiotic for the next time you get sick.
- Take an antibiotic exactly as the doctor tells you.
- Do not take an antibiotic that is prescribed for someone else.
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