Antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Antibiotic resistance means bacteria change so that an antibiotic no longer works well against them. The bacterium, not your body, is resistant. This makes infections harder to treat, and they may last longer or become more severe.

• Antibiotics work against bacteria, not viruses that cause illnesses such as colds or flu.
• Every antibiotic course exerts selection pressure: susceptible bacteria die, while resistant bacteria may survive and spread.
• Unnecessary use, an incorrect dose, an incorrect treatment duration and use in humans, animals and agriculture accelerate resistance.
• Resistant bacteria may pass between people, animals, food, healthcare facilities and the environment.
• A carrier has a resistant bacterium without being ill. Carriage usually does not need treatment.
• Culture and susceptibility testing help identify which antibiotic still works.
• Use antibiotics only on prescription, exactly as agreed, and do not share or keep leftovers.
• Good hand hygiene, vaccination, safe food preparation and infection prevention reduce infections and therefore antibiotic use.