Antibiotics Are Losing Their Power

Resist the Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotics are the group of medicines many of us are familiar with and have used at least once in our lives.  We may have used it for a cold or a flu or a skin infection.  But did we really need it?  Find out exactly what antibiotic resistance is, why it is such a concern for us and what we can do to resist antibiotic resistance.

What is Antibiotic Resistance?

When an antibiotic stops being effective in treating a bacterial infection, the bacteria is known to have developed resistance against the antibiotic.  This occurrence is thus known as antibiotic resistance.
[caption id="attachment_796" align="alignnone" width="546"] One of the greatest threats to human health is antibiotic resistence[/caption]

Why is antibiotic resistance a concern?

The major concern is that whilst the antibiotics currently kill some bacteria, this makes room for the resistant bacteria to multiply.  Not only do they then spread to other people but they can also share their antibiotic resistant ability with other bacteria.  If this cycle is allowed to continue, we will be faced with entirely new families of antibiotic resistant bacteria, now known as superbugs.  This will throw us back to post-antibiotic age, giving rise to increased risk of death due to bacterial infections.
[caption id="attachment_797" align="alignnone" width="579"] Antibiotic Resistant Germs & the Havoc they wreak from CDC[/caption]
 

What are the sources of antibiotic resistance?

1. Over use of antibiotics e.g. used for treating colds and flus that are viral infections
2. Under use of antibiotics e.g. not finishing the entire course of antibiotics
3. Misuse of antibiotics e.g. antibiotics used in animal-rearing for promoting growth and preventing diseases

What can we do?

1. Not using antibiotics when they are not needed
2. Understand the impact of antibiotic resistance
3. Don’t use antibiotics as your first choice of treatment. Consider other options first.
   
   1. Cold and flu may just need some medication to provide symptomatic relief to help you get through the day or get a good night’s rest. Your body can then naturally fight the viral infection.  Additionally, you may consider something to help support your immune system.   Speak to one of our pharmacists about alternatives to antibiotics that might suit your needs.
   2. Proper treatment and dressing of wounds can minimise infections and the need of antibiotics. If you have a minor wound and you are not sure how to treat and dress it, speak to one of our pharmacists.  They can give you some advice on how best to dress your wound.

 
More information
NPS Medicinewise
http://www.nps.org.au/about-us/what-we-do/campaigns-events/antibiotic-resistance-join-the-fight
World Health Organization
http://www.who.int/drugresistance/en/
CDC
http://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/threat-report-2013