What are the potential consequences of antibiotic misuse?

Antibiotic misuse can lead to higher rates of antibiotic resistance, which is a significant public health concern. When antibiotics are overused or improperly used—such as when they are taken for viral infections or when they are not taken as prescribed—bacteria are exposed to these drugs in ways that may not completely eliminate them. Surviving bacteria can develop resistance mechanisms, allowing them to withstand the effects of the antibiotic.

As resistant strains proliferate, infections become harder to treat, leading to longer illness durations, increased medical costs, and a greater risk for complications or death. This phenomenon not only affects individual patients but also poses a broader risk to public health, as resistant bacteria can be transmitted within communities or across populations. Therefore, addressing antibiotic misuse is crucial to managing and combating antibiotic resistance effectively.