What happens if you become resistant to antibiotics?

When bacteria become resistant, the original antibiotic can no longer kill them. These germs can grow and spread. They can cause infections that are hard to treat. Sometimes they can even spread the resistance to other bacteria that they meet.

How does a disease become resistant to antibiotics and other medications?

Antibiotic resistance happens when germs like bacteria and fungi develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. That means the germs are not killed and continue to grow. Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant germs are difficult, and sometimes impossible, to treat.

Why are bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics?

The more antibiotics are used, the more resistant the bacteria can become because sensitive bacteria are killed, but stronger germs resist the treatment and grow and multiply. Repeated and improper use of antibiotics contributes to this process.

How can we prevent antimicrobial resistance?

There are many ways that drug-resistant infections can be prevented: immunization, safe food preparation, handwashing, and using antibiotics as directed and only when necessary. In addition, preventing infections also prevents the spread of resistant bacteria.

What is an example of an antibiotic resistant bacteria?

Important examples are: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) multi-drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-TB)

How does Antimicrobial Resistance happen?

What is antimicrobial resistance? Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change in ways that render the medications used to cure the infections they cause ineffective.

How do you fight antimicrobial resistance?

What is antimicrobial resistance and why is it important?

What is antimicrobial resistance? Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.

What are some examples of bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics?

Examples of the types of bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics include the species that cause skin infections, meningitis, sexually transmitted diseases and respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia.

What is the federal government doing to address antibiotic resistance?

In cooperation with other government agencies, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched several initiatives to address antibiotic resistance. The agency has issued drug labeling regulations, emphasizing the prudent use of antibiotics.

How can I prevent illness from drug-resistant infections?

Getting your annual influenza vaccine and keeping up to date on all immunizations can help prevent illness. Healthcare professionals can take several steps to protect patients from drug-resistant infections: