ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE

The issue of antimicrobial resistance is one of main topic in the world special in the fields of public health Kuwait.What is antimicrobial resistance?

• The ability of antibiotics to stop an infection depends on killing or halting the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in a way that reduces or eliminates the effectiveness of drugs.The bacteria acquire the ability to survive in the presence of concentration of an antimicrobial which is normally lethal to organism of that species.
• Infection with resistant microorganism can occur de noivo during the course of antimicrobial therapy.
  

FOR PROPER USE OF ANTIBIOTICS

WHAT TO DO

When you are prescribed an antibiotic,

• Take it exactly as the doctor tells you
• Complete the prescribed course even if you are feeling better. If treatment stops too soon, some bacteria may survive and re- infect you.
• This goes for children, too.Make sure your children take all medication as prescribed, even if they feel better.
• Throw away any leftover medication once you have completed your prescription.
• Talk with your healthcare provider about antibiotic resistance.

WHAT NOT TO DO

• Do not take an antibiotic for a viral infection like a cold , a cough, or the flu.
• Do not demand antibiotics when a doctor says they are not needed, they will not help in treating your infection.

When you are prescribed an antibiotic,

• Do not skip doses.
• Do not save any antibiotics for the next time you get sick.
• Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone alse, the antibiotic may not be appropriate for your ilness, taking the wrong medicine may delay correct treatment and allow bacteria to multiply.