Fox Cities News

Health experts continue to address the rising concern of antibiotic resistance by providing recommendations. Antimicrobials, including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics, play a crucial role in preventing and treating infectious diseases in humans, animals, and plants. However, when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites become resistant to these medicines, certain infections can become difficult or impossible to treat. This poses an increased risk of disease spread and severe illness.

In the fall of 2024, The Lancet projected that more than 39 million people could die from antibiotic-resistant infections by 2050. Health care providers and policymakers are essential in combating antibiotic resistance. Dr. Mark Norris from ThedaCare Physicians-Appleton North emphasized the collective effort required: “Bacteria evolve and adapt to antibiotics... That’s why we all have to work together to fight antibiotic resistance.”

Proper use of antibiotics is vital. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), following prescriptions precisely helps avoid drug-resistant bacteria development. Dr. Norris advises against stopping medication early: “The bacteria may not have completely died off... if you do not complete the treatment as prescribed.” He also cautions against saving unused antibiotics for future use.

Dr. Norris further highlights that sharing antibiotics is unsafe and stresses that they cannot treat viral infections like bronchitis or the common cold: “Antibiotics don’t work on viruses... If you take antibiotics when they’re not needed, it can make them less effective.”

Preventing illness spread involves good hygiene practices such as handwashing and following safe food handling guidelines. Dr. Norris notes that these measures reduce the need for antibiotics: “Practicing good hygiene... can help people stay healthy.” Staying updated on vaccines is also recommended.

Food safety plays a role in preventing bacterial spread through proper preparation methods suggested by the CDC: washing hands before handling raw foods, separating raw meats from other foods, cooking foods thoroughly, and promptly chilling leftovers.