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Antibiotic resistance



Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria change to protect themselves from an antibiotic. They are then no longer sensitive to that antibiotic. When this happens, antibiotics that previously would have killed the bacteria, or stopped them from multiplying, no longer work.

What causes antibiotic resistance?

The more antibiotics are used, the more chances bacteria have to become resistant to them. Major causes of antibiotic resistance include:

  • using antibiotics when they are not needed
  • not taking antibiotics at the doses and times that a doctor prescribes — this allows time for the bacteria in your system to become resistant.
  • Antibiotics are also often overused in animals (in veterinary medicine and in agriculture).

How does antibiotic resistance affect me?

Using antibiotics when you don't need them may mean that they won't work for you when you do need them in the future.

If you have an antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection:

  • you will have the infection for longer
  • you may be more likely to have complications of the infection
  • you could remain infectious for longer, and pass your infection to other people, which increases the problem.


Many people think that antibiotics can cure a cold or flu and will help to shorten their illness. This is not true, because most respiratory tract infections are caused by viruses, so antibiotics won't have any effect.

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