How to Minimize Resistance to Antibiotic Medicine

Antibiotics can be a necessary tool to combat illness and disease. However, micro-organisms can sometimes develop a resistance to them, especially when they are overused. If you are resistant to antibiotics, it may take you longer to get over an illness. Here is how to minimize resistance to antibiotic medicine.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. See a doctor if you are suffering from an illness that requires treatment beyond home care. It may turn out that you have a viral infection, in which case antibiotics would have no effect.
2. Avoid taking antibiotics if you are dealing with the common cold. As the age-old saying goes, "there is no cure for the common cold." Taking antibiotics will only serve to kill necessary bacteria in the body. It is better to just take pain relievers and let the sickness run its course.
3. Avoid taking antibiotics that have been prescribed to another person. Only a doctor can determine if a particular medicine will be effective in treating your specific condition. Unnecessary consumption of antibiotics is one of the main reasons that so many strains of bacteria have become resistant to treatment.
4. Follow the instructions on your antibiotic prescription to a tee. Do not stop taking the medication just because you are feeling better, as surviving bacteria can grow in strength and cause a relapse.
5. Dispose of any leftover antibiotic medication you may have. It is not advised to hoard remaining medication for use in the future.
6. Ask a doctor whether your antibiotic prescription is completely necessary for treating your condition. Discuss any and all alternatives for treatment.