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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

For Consumers

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Antibiotic Resistance

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Antibiotic drugs can save lives. But some germs get so strong that they can resist the drugs. This is called resistance. The drugs don't work as well. Germs can even pass on resistance to other germs.

Antibiotics normally work by killing germs called bacteria. Or they stop the bacteria from growing. But sometimes not all of them are stopped or killed. The strongest ones are left to grow and spread. A person can get sick again. This time the germs are harder to kill.

The more often a person uses an antibiotic, the more likely it is that the germs will resist it. This can make some diseases very hard to control. It can make you sick longer and require more doctor visits. You may need to take drugs that are even stronger.



Bacteria and Viruses

Bacteria and viruses are the two main types of germs. They cause most illness. Antibiotics can kill bacteria, but they do not work against viruses. Viruses cause:

  • Colds
  • Coughs
  • Sore throats
  • Flu
  • Sinus problems
  • Bronchitis
  • Ear infections

Bacteria live in drinking water, food, and soil. They live in plants, animals, and people. Most of them do not hurt people. Some even help us to digest food. But other bacteria cause bad diseases like TB and lyme disease.


Questions about Antibiotic Resistance


Does this affect me?

If you have a virus, taking antibiotics is not a good idea. Antibiotics don't work against viruses. The medicine will not help you. It might even harm you. Each time you take one, you add to the chances that bacteria in your body will be able to resist them. Later that could make you very sick. Finding the right treatment could be a problem.

What common mistakes do patients make?

  • Patients ask for antibiotics they don't need. For example, they ask for antibiotics to treat a cold.
  • They save antibiotics and take them on their own later.


Why do doctors give antibiotics when these drugs are not needed?
  • Doctors are not sure what is causing an illness.
  • They are pressed for time.
  • They give in to what patients ask for.


What is the FDA doing about the problem?


  • The FDA will require new labeling for doctors.


What should I do?
  • Don't demand an antibiotic when your doctor says you don't need it.
  • Don't take an antibiotic for a virus (cold, cough, or flu).
  • Take your medicine exactly the way the doctor says. Don't skip doses.
  • Don't stop taking your medicine when you feel better. Take all the doses.
  • Don't take leftover medicine.
  • Don't take someone else's medicine.