Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
What you need to know about antibiotic resistance:
Antibiotic medicines kill bacteria. When antibiotics are not used correctly, they may not kill all of the bacteria. The bacteria that an antibiotic does not kill can grow stronger. The antibiotic may not be able to kill the new bacteria. Bacteria can become resistant when the wrong type, wrong dose, or wrong treatment length of antibiotic is used. They can also become resistant to more than one type of antibiotic. This has made it harder to cure infections that used to be easily treated.
The following increase your risk for infection with antibiotic-resistant bacteria:
- A long stay in the hospital or long-term care facility
- Use of antibiotics often, or recent antibiotic treatment
- A medical condition that needs to be treated with several other medicines
- A tube or line in your body, such as an IV or catheter
- A weak immune system
Call your doctor if:
- You still have a fever, even after 3 days of antibiotic treatment.
How to help prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria:
- Wash your hands often with soap and hot water. Carry hand sanitizer that contains alcohol with you. You can use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
- Understand that antibiotics cannot cure many common illnesses. Your healthcare provider may not order antibiotics to treat you or your child. Antibiotics are not usually needed to treat many colds and ear infections.
- Always take antibiotics exactly as ordered by your healthcare provider. Ask when you should start to feel better. Do not stop taking your medicine unless directed by your healthcare provider. Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed.
- Never save antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.
For more information:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
1600 Clifton Road
Atlanta , GA 30333
Phone: 1- 800 - 232-4636
Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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