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By Dr. Jaisingh Rajput, MD – Physician and Specialist

Antibiotics have been one of the greatest medical breakthroughs, saving millions of lives from bacterial infections. However, the overuse and misuse of antibiotics have led to a global crisis — antibiotic resistance. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), antibiotic-resistant infections contribute to 5 million deaths annually, with the number rising each year. If we don’t act now, common infections could once again become deadly.

What Is Antibiotic Resistance?

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve and become immune to the drugs designed to kill them. This means infections become harder to treat, requiring stronger medications, longer hospital stays, and increased risk of complications or death.

Causes of Antibiotic Resistance

• Overuse of Antibiotics
• Many people take antibiotics for viral infections like colds and flu, where they have no effect.
• CDC guidelines emphasize that antibiotics do not work against viruses.
• Incomplete Courses of Antibiotics
• Stopping antibiotics early, even when symptoms improve, allows some bacteria to survive and become resistant.
• Misuse in Livestock and Agriculture
• Over 70% of antibiotics in the U.S. are used in farm animals, contributing to resistant bacteria in food.
• Unnecessary Prescriptions
• Studies show that at least 30% of antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary, increasing resistance.
• Poor Infection Control in Hospitals
• Hospitals and healthcare settings harbor drug-resistant bacteria, leading to difficult-to-treat infections.

Why Should You Be Concerned?

Drug-resistant infections like MRSA, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), and E. coli are becoming harder to treat. Minor infections could become deadly due to ineffective antibiotics. Routine surgeries, cancer treatments and transplants may become riskier if antibiotics fail.

How Prevent Antibiotic Resistance

1. Only Take Antibiotics When Prescribed: Never use antibiotics for colds, flu, sore throats, or viral infections. Do not demand antibiotics from your doctor unless they are truly needed.
2. Complete the Full Course: Always finish the entire antibiotic prescription, even if you feel better. Stopping early allows bacteria to mutate and become resistant.
3. Avoid Using Leftover Antibiotics: Never self-prescribe or share antibiotics with others. Each infection requires a specific antibiotic and dose determined by a doctor.
4. Choose Antibiotic-Free Meat and Dairy: Support farms that avoid routine antibiotic use in animals. Look for labels like “No Antibiotics Ever” or “Raised Without Antibiotics”.
5. Maintain Good Hygiene to Prevent Infections: Wash hands frequently with soap and water. Keep vaccinations up to date to prevent bacterial infections. Practice safe food handling to avoid foodborne illnesses.
6. Spread Awareness About Antibiotic Resistance: Educate your family and community about the risks of overusing antibiotics. Support policies that restrict unnecessary antibiotic use in healthcare and farming.

Global Efforts to Combat Resistance

• The WHO’s Global Action Plan aims to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and promote research into new drugs.
• The CDC’s “Be Antibiotics Aware” campaign educates the public on proper antibiotic use.
• Governments are funding research into alternative treatments, such as bacteriophages and probiotics.

Antibiotics must be preserved for future generations. Without action, we could enter a post-antibiotic era where simple infections become untreatable.

By using antibiotics responsibly, completing full courses, and practicing good hygiene, we can slow down resistance and protect the effectiveness of life-saving medicines.

Dr. Jaisingh Rajput is a physician specializing in hospital medicine and public health. He is committed to raising awareness about environmental health issues and their impact on respiratory diseases.