jueves, 21 de mayo de 2015

Antibiotic Resistance: MedlinePlus

Antibiotic Resistance: MedlinePlus

MedlinePlus Trusted Health Information for You

Antibiotics: MedlinePlus

Photograph of an antibiotic resistant bacteria



05/19/2015 09:44 AM EDT

Source: National Library of Medicine
Antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infections. Used properly, they can save lives. But there is a growing problem of antibiotic resistance. It happens when bacteria change and become able to resist the effects of an antibiotic.

Using antibiotics can lead to resistance. Each time you take antibiotics, sensitive bacteria are killed. But resistant germs may be left to grow and multiply. They can spread to other people. They can also cause infections that certain antibiotics cannot cure. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one example. It causes infections that are resistant to several common antibiotics.

To help prevent antibiotic resistance

  • Don't use antibiotics for viruses like colds or flu. Antibiotics don't work on viruses.
  • Don't pressure your doctor to give you an antibiotic.
  • When you take antibiotics, follow the directions carefully. Finish your medicine even if you feel better. If you stop treatment too soon, some bacteria may survive and re-infect you.
  • Don't save antibiotics for later or use someone else's prescription.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
05/19/2015 09:31 AM EDT

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Related MedlinePlus Page: Antibiotics
05/19/2015 09:31 AM EDT

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Related MedlinePlus Page: Antibiotics


MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA  

National Institutes of Health

The primary NIH organization for research on Antibiotic Resistance is the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Disclaimers

MedlinePlus links to health information from the National Institutes of Health and other federal government agencies. MedlinePlus also links to health information from non-government Web sites. See our disclaimer about external links and our quality guidelines.


Summary

Antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infections. Used properly, they can save lives. But there is a growing problem of antibiotic resistance. It happens when bacteria change and become able to resist the effects of an antibiotic.
Using antibiotics can lead to resistance. Each time you take antibiotics, sensitive bacteria are killed. But resistant germs may be left to grow and multiply. They can spread to other people. They can also cause infections that certain antibiotics cannot cure. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one example. It causes infections that are resistant to several common antibiotics.
To help prevent antibiotic resistance
  • Don't use antibiotics for viruses like colds or flu. Antibiotics don't work on viruses.
  • Don't pressure your doctor to give you an antibiotic.
  • When you take antibiotics, follow the directions carefully. Finish your medicine even if you feel better. If you stop treatment too soon, some bacteria may survive and re-infect you.
  • Don't save antibiotics for later or use someone else's prescription.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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