Antibiotics such as azithromycin, metronidazole amongst others are medicines that stop and/or reduce the growth of bacteria. Over the years, antibiotics have played a significant role in reducing death in disease causing bacteria and virus.
Despite their significant role, in 2019, according to research published in the medical journal The Lancent, at least 1.2 million people worldwide died from antibiotic resistant, threatening the drug’s ability to treat common infectious diseases. And interestingly, majority of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC) explains that antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria or fungi develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. As a result, the germs are not just killed but also continue to grow.
The World Health Organization, attributes antibiotic resistant to misuse and overuse of antibiotics. This majorly transpires in places where people can access such drugs over the counter without a prescription, and as a result the situation is made even worse.
The resulting impact is, higher medical costs are incurred because medics have to use second- and third-line treatments, that can cause serious side effects. This in turn can lead to prolonged hospital stay and an increased mortality because chances of survival are reduced.
Antibiotics have been prescribed only when need to treat infections that include; meningitis or pneumonia, sepsis amongst others. Overtime they have been prescribed to patients undergoing chemotherapy, or surgeries such as caesarean sections. However, antibiotics have also been used to treat sore throat, coughs and earache which are more common and, in most cases, don’t require the use of antibiotics hence the abuse of the drugs.
UK Health Security Agency Chief Medical Adviser warms that antimicrobial resistance is a ‘hidden pandemic’ and that serious anti-biotic infections will rise again if we don’t act responsibly.
She adds that during cold weather, we are bound to witness and increasing number of respiratory infections, however she reminds us that antibiotics are not needed for many cold-like symptoms.
"Stay at home if you feel unwell," she said.
"Taking antibiotics when you do not need them only puts you and your loved ones at more risk in the future, so please listen to your GP, nurse, dentist or pharmacist's advice, "she added.
To help prevent and control anti-biotic resistance, you are advised:
· Use antibiotics only when they are prescribed by a certified health professional.
· Don’t demand antibiotics when your health provider says you don’t need them.
· Adhere to the prescription are provided by your doctor/pharmacist.
· Don’t share prescribed antibiotics or use leftovers by someone else.
Policy makers on the other hand can:
· Create awareness of the impacts of antibiotic resistance
· Regulate and promote use of antibiotics
· Develop and implement a robust national plan to tackle antibiotic resistance.
· Strengthen polices and programmes that focus on managing infection prevention and control of microbiological diseases.
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