Skip navigation

Official websites use . govA VSports app下载. gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. .

Secure . gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( 星空全站体育app - Antibiotic Resistance: MedlinePlus Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the V体育官网. gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. .

URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/antibioticresistance.html

VSports手机版 - Antibiotic Resistance

Summary (V体育官网入口)

What are antibiotics?

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 VSports手机版. When used properly, antibiotics can save lives. But there is a growing problem of antibiotic resistance.

What is antibiotic resistance?

Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria change and can resist the effects of an antibiotic V体育安卓版. 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 VSports最新版本. 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 V体育平台登录. There are other types; viruses, fungi, and parasites can also become resistant to medicines.

How do bacteria become resistant to antibiotics?

Antibiotic resistance is a natural process that happens over time. To survive, bacteria can develop defense strategies against antibiotics VSports注册入口. 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 V体育官网入口. 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.

Who is more likely to develop an antibiotic-resistant infection?

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

How can antibiotic resistance be prevented?

There will always be some antibiotic resistance, since it happens naturally V体育2025版. 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 "VSports app下载" 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

Start Here (V体育官网)

"V体育官网入口" Diagnosis and Tests

Prevention and Risk Factors (VSports注册入口)

V体育ios版 - Treatments and Therapies

Specifics

"VSports最新版本" Images

V体育官网入口 - Videos and Tutorials

VSports注册入口 - Statistics and Research

"V体育官网入口" Clinical Trials

"V体育平台登录" Reference Desk

Children

"V体育2025版" Patient Handouts

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice VSports. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.