What is antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change so that an antibiotic becomes less effective.
Symptoms, causes and assessment
Antibiotics do not work against viruses. Unnecessary use, poor choice and inappropriate dosing can contribute to resistance. The bacteria, not the person, become resistant. A clinician assesses the infection and whether medicine is needed.
Care and when to seek help
Do not take someone else’s or unprescribed antibiotic. Discuss questions about a prescribed course with your clinician. Vaccination, hand hygiene and infection prevention also help reduce the burden.
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