Do you save unused medicines for future use? Don't! A doctor's prescription given to you at certain time is only good for the period indicated. Not following it can lead to antibiotic resistance. In a global survey of 4,500 people in 11 countries, including the Philippines, it was found that many were concerned about the effects of antibiotic resistance, but did not understand how improper use of antibiotic medications contribute to the problem.
Bacteria become drug-resistant through changes in their genetic material. Giuseppe Cornaglia, president of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, says, "Many patients forget to take medication or interrupt their treatment when they begin to feel better, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to adapt rather than be killed." Repeated and improper use of antibiotics, two of the main cause of increase in resistant bacteria, make bacteria adapt to these weapons, despite the development of more potent medicines.
According to the World Health Organization, drug-resistant infections can result in increased illness, death, and health care costs.
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