Taking antibiotics only as prescribed is critical for your health and for fighting antibiotic resistance—a growing global threat.
💊 Why It’s Important
✅ 1. Prevents Antibiotic Resistance
- Misusing or overusing antibiotics lets bacteria adapt and become resistant.
- Resistant infections are harder to treat and can spread to others.
✅ 2. Ensures Effective Treatment
- Skipping doses or stopping early can leave bacteria alive, causing the infection to come back stronger.
✅ 3. Protects Your Gut Health
- Unnecessary antibiotics can kill helpful bacteria in your body, leading to side effects like diarrhea or yeast infections.
📝 Smart Antibiotic Use: Do’s and Don’ts
✅ DO:
- Take the full course, exactly as prescribed—even if you feel better.
- Take doses at regular intervals.
- Contact your doctor if you experience side effects.
❌ DON’T:
- Take antibiotics for viruses (like colds, flu, or most sore throats).
- Share or use leftover antibiotics.
- Skip doses or stop early unless advised by your doctor.
🧠 Reminder:
Not all infections need antibiotics. Many common illnesses—like the cold, flu, or most cases of bronchitis—get better without them.
Would you like a printable antibiotic safety checklist or guidance on how to talk to your doctor about proper use?
