You’ve heard about antibiotic resistance on the news or on the radio. You can tell it’s something important… but what is it really about? Rx Care Pharmacy has compiled a FAQ list that should keep you informed:
- What Is Antibiotic Resistance?
Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria build up an immunity against drugs that had been designed to eradicate them.
- Why should you care about it?
With the rise of antibiotic resistance, basic antibiotics will no longer be able to cure even simple infections. That means, your doctor will need to rely on stronger antibiotics to get you better. This results not only in higher medical bills but it also the spread of infections that are far more dangerous.
- What causes antibiotic resistance?
The main factor behind it is the misuse and abuse of antibiotics. You see, when a person takes an antibiotic, it is able to kill off some of the harmful bacteria in their system. However, if they don’t follow their prescription, not all of the bacteria will be removed. In the end, the surviving bacteria remain and become resistant.
- How do bacteria become resistant?
There are many ways in which bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics. They may either neutralize it using their own mechanisms, build a stronger outer layer to shield against it, etc. The point is, if bacteria are able to survive antibiotics, they will be able to adapt, defend against it, and evolve into much stronger strains.
- How can you prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance in the community?
Antibiotic resistance may indeed be a serious threat to public safety, but together we can put a stop to it once and for all. Every little effort counts. In your case, you can stop the spread of antibiotic resistance by:
- Asking your healthcare provider if you can obtain symptomatic relief without having to rely on antibiotics.
- Taking your prescription exactly as your doctor has instructed you to.
- Completing your prescription even if you already think you feel better.
- Preventing your loved ones from taking antibiotics that are not prescribed to them.
- Treating your flu symptoms with an antiviral drug instead of an antibiotic.
- Stopping your loved ones and friends from taking antibiotics that are not prescribed for them. (If your loved one is worried about the prices of drugs, they don’t have to be! Affordable medications in Florida are always available in our pharmacy. Refer them to us if they need their prescriptions filled!)
- Do you have other questions about antibiotic resistance?
Direct your inquiries to our pharmacist on duty when you come to visit our pharmacy in Orlando, Florida. They will gladly attend to your needs and give you guidance concerning related topics. If you’re unable to drop by for a visit, you may also reach out to us through a call or by leaving a message in the reply section below. We’ll give you a response as soon as we’re able to!
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