WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE TAKE ANTIBIOTICS?

Some antibiotics cause bacterial cells to burst by targeting the bacterial cell wall, others target the bacterial DNA and prevent continued growth (replication) of the bacterial cells. 

If taken correctly, the antibiotics target bacteria in the body and kill or inhibit their continued growth. 

Every time a person takes antibiotics, sensitive bacteria are killed, but resistant ones may be left to grow and multiply. Antibiotics do not work against all types of infections, so using the right antibiotic drug matters. If not, we're simply selecting for resistant ones every time we use antibiotics for what they're not meant for. 

Antibiotics save lives, we need them. Taking them correctly with advice from a qualified medical professional, with proper tests/diagnosis will help us when we are sick.

There are different ways antibiotics work (known as their mechanism of action), but some bacterial cells can carry resistant genes. Meaning they have the ability to prevent the antibiotics from working. The more of these kind of bacteria we have around, the more the antibiotics we have won't work.🦠🧫

❗️Self prescribing continually exposes bacteria to antibiotics, meaning we increase the chances of selecting for the resistant bacteria and allow them to increase. 

By stopping self prescription of antibiotics, not taking Septrin for catarrh not buying Flagyl or 'cipro' to cleanse blood, we reduce selection for resistant bacteria in our bodies. 

🤯You don't want to have an infection caused by a bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics. Then it can't be treated or becomes very hard to treat. Then you think it's village people,  no it's RESISTANT BACTERIA.

🦠Info: Antibiotics are important, they save lives. If we continue to work together and learn to use all medicines correctly we can reduce the occurrence of resistant infections.

Previously published on #MeYouSuperbugs Telegram group, May 2021

Author: Orode Aniejurengho