We have all been sick at some point in our lives. It is only when you are sick that you value your health. Actually, depending on how serious the disease we have, it can be more or less difficult to control and eliminate. In their quest for good health, human beings have invented a large number of medicines, which aim to combat external agents that cause diseases, such as different viruses and bacteria. With regard to the latter in particular, countless antibiotics have been devised, ranging from the mildest to the strongest, depending on how severe the infection is in order to treat it properly.
However, everything in excess is harmful. The human being has used and abused antibiotics for a long time, what have been the consequences? That bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics, what does this mean? Bacteria evolve and become stronger, which means that the vast majority of antibiotics stop working on them and can no longer destroy them. This situation is very negative from every point of view, both for the patient and for the medical staff, as this causes hospital stays to be prolonged and the mortality rate to increase. Now, since getting sick is inevitable, what can you do to avoid antibiotic resistance? What are the recommendations of the experts in the field? What do you have to do and what should you avoid? Throughout this article you will find the answers to these questions and others. Therefore, do not stop reading it. It may depend on it that you enjoy good health, both you and your family, now and in the future. Let’s see it right now.
Instructions to avoid antibiotic resistance
The main cause of resistance to antibiotics is their inappropriate use, as we have already mentioned before. But how is this achieved? in at least three ways. First of all, obtaining unnecessary medical prescriptions to fight infections of the viral type, where antibiotics have no effect. Second, by using broad-spectrum antibiotics very frequently, instead of resorting to the more specific ones, which are prescribed after making an accurate diagnosis. Finally, by not respecting the dose and duration of the imposed treatment. This allows bacteria to survive and become resistant. Now, given the alarming situation, what can you do to prevent and control the spread of antibiotic resistance? Here are some of the things you can do:
Take antibiotics only when prescribed by certified medical and health personnel. Do not ask for them if the doctors tell you that they are not necessary. You should not always use antibiotics to fight disease. Always follow the instructions that your health professionals tell you about when and how to use antibiotics Do not use leftover antibiotics from other patients. Remember that each person is different from one another, and the needs of each one is specific. What benefits others, harms others. Wash your hands constantly, especially when you go to handle food and after using the bathroom, this way you can prevent infections. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When having sex, use the necessary protection measures. Keep your vaccinations up to date, as well as those of other family members, especially those of young children. When preparing food, take into consideration some recommendations, such as maintaining hygiene, separating raw food from cooked food, preserving food well, etc. Choose foods that have not been produced using antibiotics to promote growth or prevent disease in healthy animals. These are some of the instructions you should follow to prevent antibiotic resistance. But what else do you need to know?
What do you need to avoid antibiotic resistance?
As expected, this is a fight that is not fought alone. Other agents, such as health professionals, must also intervene. They can contribute in the following ways: Take care of the proper cleaning of your hands, medical instruments and your environment to avoid any type of infection. Prescribe antibiotics to the patient only when strictly necessary and according to current guidelines. You should do the same when dispensing them. Inform medical surveillance teams about which infections have become resistant to antibiotics. Instruct patients on the correct way to take antibiotics, as well as the consequences of ignoring these recommendations and the existing dangers. Notify patients how they can prevent infections, as we have already mentioned in the previous subheading. That is, washing your hands, getting vaccinated, etc. Similarly, in relation to the health sector, it can and should invest in the research and creation of other antibiotics, as well as vaccines, diagnostic tests, instruments, among others. As you have been able to realize, this is a serious matter. Therefore, before taking an antibiotic without being prescribed, you should think twice and even three times, because the consequences can be worse than the disease itself.
Tips to avoid antibiotic resistance
The repercussions of the use and abuse of antibiotics can reach unimaginable limits. Since they can no longer be used to fight infections, it becomes necessary to use more expensive drugs. On the other hand, the longer the disease and its treatment last, the higher the costs related to adequate health care, which will greatly affect the economy of families and society itself. In fact, this phenomenon is putting the advances of modern medicine in check. Not having the appropriate antibiotics to prevent and control infections makes organ transplants, chemotherapies and surgical interventions high-risk situations for the patient. Hence the importance of becoming aware and putting into practice the instructions mentioned throughout this article. But, since this is an issue that not only affects humans, but also animals, what can the agricultural sector do? How can you contribute to avoiding antibiotic resistance and to everyone’s health? The administration of antibiotics must be solely and exclusively under the prescription and supervision of the veterinarian. The administration of the same to stimulate the growth of the animal, as well as for animals that are healthy, is prohibited. Vaccinate animals on time to reduce the need for antibiotics. Use alternative treatments whenever possible. Apply and promote good habits in all areas involved in the production of food that are of animal and plant origin. Promote biological safety in as many farms as possible to prevent infections, through the implementation of measures related to hygiene and good living for all animals. Although it is true that, over time, medicines lose their ability to kill pathogenic bacteria, this process has accelerated very quickly thanks to the fact that antibiotics are used indiscriminately and even in the wrong contexts.