How to treat infections

WHAT'S AN ANTIBIOTIC ? Antibiotic resistant infections can lead to longer hospital stays , higher medical costs and more deaths Antibiotic resistant infections can affect anyone , of any age , in any country Ľ ... washing your hands properly Taking antibiotics when they are not needed accelerates emergence of antibiotic resistance , one of the biggest threats to global health K ‒‒‒‒‒ ... practicing safer sex You can help reduce antibiotic resistance O You can reduce the risk of infection by : Always follow the advice of a qualified health care professional when taking antibiotics When bacteria become resistant to antibiotics , common infections will no longer be treatable ... preparing food hygienically X ... not sharing antibiotics with others 00 Overuse of antibiotics can cause bacteria to become resistant , meaning current treatments will no longer work It is the bacteria itself not the person or the animal - that becomes resistant to antibiotics ... keeping your vaccinations up - to - date You can also reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance by : ... limiting close contact with others when you are sick ... and , standing up for your right to safe water and sanitation ‒‒‒‒‒ liill ... and , always following the advice of a qualified health care professional when taking antibiotics