Antibiotics are powerful medicines that treat bacterial infections. They don’t work for viruses like the common cold or most sore throats. When used incorrectly, they lose their power over time – not just for you, but for everyone.

Stopping an antibiotic as soon as you “feel better” can leave behind some stronger bacteria that survive and learn to resist the medicine. Next time, that antibiotic may not work as well. This contributes to antibiotic resistance, a serious global health problem.

Always take antibiotics exactly as prescribed – correct dose, correct number of days. Don’t use leftover tablets from old prescriptions or share them with others. If you experience side effects, contact your doctor rather than simply stopping abruptly.

Doctors also play a role by prescribing antibiotics only when truly needed. As a patient, you can support this by not insisting on “strong medicines” for every minor illness.

Using antibiotics wisely today helps ensure they still work when we really need them in the future.