Fast Facts

Facts About Antibiotic Resistance

• Antibiotic resistance has been called one of the world’s most pressing public health problems.
• The number of bacteria resistant to antibiotics has increased in the last decade. Many bacterial infections are becoming resistant to the most commonly prescribed antibiotic treatments.
• Every time a person takes antibiotics, sensitive bacteria are killed, but resistant germs may be left to grow and multiply. Repeated and improper uses of antibiotics are primary causes of the increase in drug-resistant bacteria.
• Misuse of antibiotics jeopardizes the usefulness of essential drugs. Decreasing inappropriate antibiotic use is the best way to control resistance.
• Children are of particular concern because they have the highest rates of antibiotic use. They also have one of the highest rates of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
• Parent pressure makes a difference. For pediatric care, a study showed that doctors prescribe antibiotics 65% of the time if they perceive parents expect them and 12% of the time if they feel parents do not expect them.
• Antibiotic resistance can cause significant danger and suffering for people who have common infections that once were easily treatable with antibiotics. When antibiotics fail to work, the consequences are longer-lasting illnesses, more doctor visits or extended hospital stays, and the need for more expensive and toxic medications. Some resistant infections can even cause death.

How You Can Help Prevent Antibiotic Resistance

• Do not take an antibiotic for a viral infection like a cold, a cough or the flu. Antibiotics should be used only to treat bacterial infections.
• Take an antibiotic exactly as your healthcare provider tells you. Do not skip doses. Complete the prescribed course of treatment, even if you are feeling better.
• Do not save any antibiotics for the next time you get sick. Discard any leftover medication once you have completed your prescribed course of treatment. Visit the EPA website for how to properly dispose of antibiotics.
• Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else, not even those from friends and family members. The antibiotic may not be appropriate for your illness. Taking the wrong medicine may delay correct treatment and allow bacteria to multiply.
• Antibiotic prescriptions in outpatient settings can be reduced dramatically – without adversely affecting patient health – by not prescribing antibiotics for viral illnesses, such as colds, most sore throats, coughs, bronchitis, and the flu.
• Do not demand antibiotics when a healthcare provider has determined they are not needed.
• Talk with a healthcare provider about antibiotic resistance.