Is this true? Myths and facts about antimicrobial resistance
It is important to be informed about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to protect yourself and help prevent it from spreading. However, this topic is commonly surrounded by misconceptions. In this blog post, we will discuss the most frequent myths about antibiotics and AMR.
Myth 1: Antibiotics cure all infections.
Facts: Antibiotics are designed to treat infections caused by bacteria. They will not cure infections caused by viruses, including cold and flu – because viruses operate differently, and simply lack the structures or functions that antibiotics disrupt to kill bacteria. It is similar to trying to open a lock with the wrong key – it won’t work. Special antiviral medications are available against some viruses.
Doctors may, however, prescribe antibiotics for viral illness on rare occasions, but it is usually done to prevent a bacterial infection from developing on top of a viral one, or if the cause of the infection is uncertain. Typically, antibiotics for viral infections are used only in case of a severe illness in people at high risk of bacterial infections, such as in some patients with a weakened immune system.
Myth 2: When someone takes antibiotics, the body becomes resistant to them.
As we discussed in a previous post, bacteria, and not the human body, develop resistance to antibiotics. Similarly, viruses and fungi can become resistant to drugs designed to kill them. Microbes constantly evolve and develop ways to avoid being killed by medications used against them.
Myth 3: It is okay to stop antibiotics early if your symptoms start to improve and you feel better.
Facts: It is important to complete a full course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. If the infection is not treated properly, the bacteria may survive and become resistant to the antibiotic through the development of mutations. Viruses and fungi can develop resistance as well. You should never save antibiotics (or drugs against other infections) to use them later or take “leftover” ones.
Myth 4: If I never take antibiotics, I cannot get resistant bacteria.
Facts: Resistant bacteria can get transmitted from one person to another, and can be present in the body without causing symptoms. Transmission can happen in various settings, including hospitals and clinics, even if you are not admitted and just visit someone. Additionally, resistant bacteria can get transmitted from animals to people if animals are treated with antibiotics. Resistant microbes do not recognize geographical and political borders, and can easily spread between countries and continents.
Myth 5. Antibiotic-resistant infections happen only in people who are in poor health or hospitalized.
Facts: While factors such as a weakened immune system, frequent use of antibiotics, or hospitalization can increase the risk of infections with resistant microbes, people who are generally healthy can get them as well.
Myth 6: If one antibiotic stops working due to antimicrobial resistance, there will always be a new one developed.
Facts: The development of new antibiotics takes years of research and testing, and is extremely expensive. Of all the drugs in development, many will not make it to the final stage due to lack of effectiveness or toxic side effects. Many antibiotics that have entered the market in recent years are simply modifications of older drugs, and there is a shortage of new developments. There are strains of bacteria that have developed resistance to nearly all available antibiotics. Novel ways to treat infections (such as phages) may be potentially effective; however, more research is needed before their use could become widespread. Therefore, it is really important to preserve the effectiveness of currently available antibiotics by preventing the development of antimicrobial resistance and use drugs against viruses and fungi responsibly too.
Myth 7: There is nothing I can personally do to prevent the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
It is true that antimicrobial resistance has many causes, including the ones that are beyond individual control. However, there are steps that can be taken by everyone to protect themselves and contribute to the fight against antimicrobial resistance. Maintaining good hygiene, including hand hygiene, taking antibiotics only when needed and exactly as prescribed, and getting all necessary vaccinations in a timely manner – simple steps go a long way.
Author: Dr. Ekaterina Zagaynova, MPH
