- The most important ways to prevent antibiotic resistance are:
- Minimise unnecessary prescribing and overprescribing of antibiotics.
- This occurs when people expect doctors to prescribe antibiotics for a viral illness (antibiotics do not work against viruses) or when antibiotics are prescribed for conditions that do not require them.
- Complete the entire course of the prescribed antibiotic so that it can be fully effective and not breed resistance.
- Practice good hygiene and use appropriate infection control procedures.
- Antibiotic resistant bacteria can also be passed from person to person within the community. This is becoming more common.
- Ways to prevent transmission of all organisms, including antibiotic resistant bacteria:
- Wash hands before and after food handling, going to the toilet and changing nappies.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.
- Use tissues to blow or wipe your nose.
- Dispose of tissues properly, either in the rubbish or toilet.
- Do not spit.
Stay at home if you are unwell and cannot manage your normal requirements of the day.
Do not send children to child care, crèche or school if they are unwell.
If you are prescribed antibiotics, take the entire course – do not stop because you are feeling better. If you continue to feel unwell, go back to the doctor. Avoid use of products which advertise that they contain antibiotics, or are antibacterial or antimicrobial, unless advised to do so by your health professional.- Antibiotics do not work against viruses.
- Antibiotic resistance is a serious public health problem.
- Some bacteria that are capable of causing serious disease are becoming resistant to most commonly available antibiotics.
- Antibiotic resistant bacteria can spread from person to person in the community or from patient to patient in hospital.
- Careful infection control procedures will minimise spread of these bacteria in hospitals.
- Good personal hygiene will minimise spread of these bacteria in the community.
- Careful prescribing of antibiotics will minimise the development of more antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria.