infections
Overview of Antibiotics
Antibiotic Resistance
Bacteria, like all living organisms, change over time in response to environmental challenges. Because of the widespread use and misuse of antibiotics (when antibiotics are not taken as prescribed), bacteria are constantly exposed to these drugs. Although many bacteria die when exposed to antibiotics, if antibiotics are not taken appropriately, some bacteria survive and develop Antibiotic resistance to the drugs’ effects. For example, 50 years ago, Medical research continues to develop drugs to combat bacteria. But people can help prevent the development of resistance in bacteria by Understanding that antibiotics are used to treat bacteria,notviral infections (such as the common cold or the flu), and that doctors do not prescribe antibiotics for these viral infections Taking antibiotics exactly as directed, including the correct dose, numbers of times per day, and number of days (it is important to take antibiotics for the full number of days prescribed, even if a person is feeling better) If a virus is causing the infection, taking antibiotics is useless and can contribute to the development of resistance in bacteria. 