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Antibiotics
What Are They?
Antibiotics are "medications that work
against bacteria by either killing them or stopping them from multiplying" (Government of Canada). Today, there is a lot of different antibiotics available, and "they all fight infections in different ways" (Genetic Science Learning Center).
Why Do We Use Them?
We use them because they can cure many bacterial infections and prevent them in the future. However, another type of infection, known as viral infection cannot be cured by antibiotics. People still take them when they have a viral infection thinking it will work. This is how antibiotics are being misused.
Antibiotic resistance "is the ability of bacteria to resist the effects of an antibiotic" (NDHealth.Gov). Every time you take an antibiotic, there is a chance that some of the bacteria becomes resistant to it. This is dangerous because the bacteria can continue to spread and the previous antibiotics won't be able to help. Also, the bacteria can spread the resistance to other bacteria which makes it even more dangerous and difficult to treat a bacterial infection.
What is Antibiotic Resistance?
How Does the Misuse Lead to Resistance?
The photo below shows how it happens. Photos on right show how pills can lead to resistance.
Suggestions/Ideas to Fix or Eliminate Antibiotic Resistance
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