Health experts continue to provide recommendations to help address the growing concern about antibiotic resistance.
Antimicrobials include antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics. These medicines can prevent and treat infectious diseases in humans, animals, and plants, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
When bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines, certain infections can become difficult or impossible to treat. This increases the risk of disease spread, severe illness, disability, and death, particularly for people with serious underlying health conditions and those living in countries with fewer resources.
In fall of 2024, medical journal The Lancet made headlines with its projection that more than 39 million people will die between now and 2050 due to antibiotic-resistant infections.
Health care providers and policymakers play key roles in fighting antibiotic resistance, sometimes called antimicrobial resistance (AMR). At the same time, everyone also can take steps to combat the problem, said Dr. Mark Norris, a family medicine physician with ThedaCare Physicians-Appleton North.
“Bacteria evolve and adapt to antibiotics, which means another medication may be necessary to fight a disease. Some bacteria have evolved to a point where none of the antibiotics we have will work on them,” he said. “That’s why we all have to work together to fight antibiotic resistance.”
Proper Use of Antibiotics
The best way to avoid the development of drug-resistant bacteria is to use antibiotics exactly as prescribed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Dr. Norris echoes that advice.
“People often feel better after a couple of days taking their medication and may decide to stop,” he said. “The bacteria may not have completely died off, so the chance of reinfection increases, as does the resiliency and strength of the bacteria if you do not complete the treatment as prescribed.”
Dr. Norris also advised against saving unused antibiotics for future use.
“Just because a medication helped you feel better this time, that doesn’t mean it will work the next time,” he explained. “Complete the prescribed dosage and ask your health care provider or pharmacy specialist what to do with any leftover antibiotics.”
In addition, it’s important to not share antibiotics, Dr. Norris cautioned. Doing so can be dangerous for all parties involved. It’s also important to understand that antibiotics can’t treat certain illnesses.
“Antibiotics don’t work on viruses,” Dr. Norris said. “If you have a viral infection such as bronchitis or the common cold, treating the infection with an antibiotic would likely not be a recommended treatment plan. If you take antibiotics when they’re not needed, it can make them less effective the next time you do need them.”
Stopping the Spread
In addition to following all medication instructions from the care team, people can also take simple steps to help stop the spread of illnesses, Dr. Norris said.
“Practicing good hygiene, getting recommended vaccines, and following safe food handling and cooking guidelines can help people stay healthy,” he said. “These measures ultimately help reduce the need for antibiotics in the first place.”
Those measures include:
- Handwashing: Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Cough etiquette: Those who are sick are encouraged to cover their nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing to protect others from similar infection.
- Wound care: Cuts can become infected and require antibiotics. Keep wounds clean and covered until healed.
Stay up to date on vaccines to help strengthen the body’s protection against preventable, communicable diseases, Dr. Norris said.
“The flu vaccine, for example, can help you avoid catching the virus and keep you healthier,” he said. “Check with your health care provider about recommended vaccines.”
Food Safety
Bacteria often spread through food preparation, so it’s vital to prepare food safely. The CDC recommends these four steps to fend off foodborne infections:
- Wash your hands before and after touching raw meat, chicken, eggs, and seafood. Wash countertops and cooking utensils after preparing each food item.
- Separate raw meets from other foods.
- Cook foods to safe temperatures.
- Chill leftovers and other foods promptly.
Everyone should play a role in reducing the threat of antibiotic resistance, Dr. Norris said. “In addition to using antibiotics properly, practice good hygiene, stay on top of vaccines, and prepare food carefully,” he said. “The healthier you are, the fewer antibiotics you’ll need, and the less chance you’ll have of developing antibiotic resistance.”
