antimicrobial

Antibiotics are medicines that treat bacterial infections in humans and animals. They work by killing the bacteria or making it hard for the bacteria to grow and multiply. When used properly, antibiotics can save lives. But there is a growing problem of antibiotic resistance.

Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria change and can resist the effects of an antibiotic. The bacteria are not killed, and they continue to grow. The infections these bacteria cause are called resistant infections. Resistant infections can be difficult, and sometimes impossible, to treat. In some cases, they can even be deadly.

Antibiotic resistance does not mean that your body is resistant to antibiotics.

There are many different types of resistant infections. They include MRSA and drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB). If you get a resistant infection, you might need:

• A long hospital stay
• A long recovery
• Follow-up visits with health care providers
• Treatments that are expensive and may have severe side effects

Antibiotic resistance is one type of antimicrobial resistance. There are other types; viruses, fungi, and parasites can also become resistant to medicines.

Antibiotic resistance is a natural process that happens over time. To survive, bacteria can develop defense strategies against antibiotics. This happens through genetic changes in the bacteria. These resistant bacteria survive, grow, and spread.

Each time you take antibiotics, there is a risk that the bacteria will become resistant. So it is important to only take antibiotics when you really need them. They won't work on viral infections such as colds and the flu. And you don't need antibiotics for every bacterial infection. For example, you may not need them for some sinus and ear infections.

Anyone can develop an antibiotic-resistant infection, but certain people may be at higher risk, including those who:

• Have a weakened immune system from diseases such as HIV or from taking medicines that affect the immune system
• Are getting medical care such as surgery and hospital stays
• Take antibiotics for a long time
• Are infants, especially if they were born prematurely
• Are older adults

There will always be some antibiotic resistance, since it happens naturally. But you can help fight against antibiotic resistance by taking these steps:

• Don't use antibiotics for viruses.
• Don't pressure your health care provider to give you an antibiotic if they don't think you need one.
• When you take antibiotics, follow the directions carefully.
• Don't share your antibiotics with others.
• Don't save antibiotics for later or use someone else's prescription.
• Help prevent the spread of bacterial infections with good hygiene habits. These include washing your hands often and covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infections in people and animals. They work by killing the bacteria or by making it hard for the bacteria to grow and multiply.

Antibiotics can be taken in different ways:

• Orally (by mouth). This could be pills, capsules, or liquids.
• Topically. This might be a cream, spray, or ointment that you put on your skin. It could also be eye ointment, eye drops, or ear drops.
• Through an injection or intravenously (IV). This is usually for more serious infections.

Antibiotics only treat certain bacterial infections, such as strep throat, urinary tract infections, and E. coli.

You may not need to take antibiotics for some bacterial infections. For example, you might not need them for many sinus infections or some ear infections. Taking antibiotics when they're not needed won't help you, and they can have side effects. Your health care provider can decide the best treatment for you when you're sick. Don't ask your provider to prescribe an antibiotic for you.

Antibiotics do not work on viral infections. For example, you shouldn't take antibiotics for:

• Colds and runny noses, even if the mucus is thick, yellow, or green
• Most sore throats (except strep throat)
• Flu
• Most cases of bronchitis

The side effects of antibiotics range from minor to very severe. Some of the common side effects include:

• Rash
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Yeast infections

More serious side effects can include:

• C. diff infections, which cause diarrhea that can lead to severe colon damage and sometimes even death
• Severe and life-threatening allergic reactions
• Antibiotic resistance infections

Call your health care provider if you develop any side effects while taking your antibiotic.

You should only take antibiotics when they are needed because they can cause side effects and can contribute to Antibiotic resistance infections. Antibiotic resistance happens when the bacteria change and become able to resist the effects of an antibiotic. This means that the bacteria continue to grow.

When you take antibiotics, it is important that you take them responsibly:

• Always follow the directions carefully. Finish your medicine even if you feel better. If you stop taking them too soon, some bacteria may survive and re-infect you.
• Don't save your antibiotics for later.
• Don't share your antibiotic with others.
• Don't take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. This may delay the best treatment for you, make you even sicker, or cause side effects.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Safe steps in food handling, cooking, and storage can prevent foodborne illness. There are four basic steps to food safety at home:

• Clean - always wash your fruits and vegetables, hands, counters, and cooking utensils.
• Separate - keep raw foods to themselves. Germs can spread from one food to another.
• Cook - foods need to get hot and stay hot. Heat kills germs.
• Chill - put fresh food in the refrigerator right away.

In the grocery store, avoid cans that are bulging or jars that have cracks or loose lids. Check packages to be sure food hasn't reached its expiration date.

United States Department of Agriculture

MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It causes a staph infection (pronounced "staff infection") that is resistant to several common antibiotics. There are two types of infection. Hospital-associated MRSA happens to people in health care settings. Community-associated MRSA happens to people who have close skin-to-skin contact with others, such as athletes involved in football and wrestling.

Infection control is key to stopping MRSA in hospitals. To prevent community-associated MRSA:

• Practice good hygiene
• Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed
• Avoid contact with other people's wounds or bandages
• Avoid sharing personal items, such as towels, washcloths, razors, or clothes
• Wash soiled sheets, towels, and clothes in hot water with bleach and dry in a hot dryer

If a wound appears to be infected, see a health care provider. Treatments may include draining the infection and antibiotics.

Pests live where they are not wanted or cause harm to crops, people, or animals. Pesticides can help get rid of them. Pesticides are not just insect killers. They also include chemicals to control weeds, rodents, mildew, germs, and more. Many household products contain pesticides.

Pesticides can protect your health by killing germs, animals, or plants that could hurt you. However, they can also be harmful to people or pets. You might want to try non-chemical methods first. If you do need a pesticide, use it correctly. Be especially careful around children and pets. Proper disposal of pesticides is also important - it can help protect the environment.

Biologically-based pesticides are becoming more popular. They often are safer than traditional pesticides.

Environmental Protection Agency