Antimicrobial resistance is when the germs (like bacteria, viruses, and fungi) that cause infections become able to withstand the effects of medicines designed to kill or control them. In simpler terms, it’s like the germs learning how to survive and not be affected by the drugs that are supposed to get rid of them.
If you imagine that germs are tiny bugs that make you sick. Sometimes, we medicines are used to kill these bugs – but sometimes these bugs get used to these medicines, and they no longer work against them. This is a significant problem because it makes infections harder to treat and can spread more easily. As such, this is an important problem to be aware of, to Keep Antibiotics Working.
You can help to avoid antibiotic resistance by only taking antibiotics when you really need them and when they have been recommended for you by a healthcare professional. If you are prescribed an antibiotic, follow the directions for use carefully and always remember to complete the full recommended course.
You can read more on the World Health Organisation’s website.