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Antibiotics are a health hazard
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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Many people have misconceptions about the use of antibiotics and do not understand the risks they can pose. Taking antibiotics can cause bacteria to develop resistance, which is when microorganisms change and resist the action of antibacterial drugs. Antibacterial resistance develops when antibiotics are used incorrectly or excessively, and research has shown that in different countries, public misunderstanding and inappropriate prescription and use of such drugs contribute to this to some extent.
The study was conducted in 12 countries, surveying approximately 10,000 people, and more than 60% of respondents said they were aware of the problem of antibacterial resistance, but did not fully understand the consequences and what they personally could do to prevent the problem.
64% of respondents said that antibiotics are necessary to treat colds and flu, although they know that such drugs are powerless against viruses. 32% noted that antibiotics should be stopped as soon as the patient feels better, regardless of whether the course of treatment has been completed or not.
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However, according to WHO, there is an increase in antibiotic resistance in the world, and this is already a global health crisis.
Antibacterial resistance is one of the biggest problems in every country and today it has reached extreme levels in all regions.
Bacterial resistance to drugs means that doctors are powerless against a number of infectious diseases, and this development of events also negates all scientific and medical achievements of recent decades.
The end of the research coincided with the campaign carried out by the WHO: “Antibiotics – use with caution!”
Antibiotics do not treat viruses, such as those that cause colds and flu.
Take only antibiotics that are prescribed to you by a healthcare professional.
Always complete your prescribed course of antibiotics (even if you feel better)
Never give your antibiotics to other people (even your family members).
Wash your hands to prevent infections (and avoid the need for antibiotics)
As part of the ongoing campaign, WHO calls for cooperation between governments of different countries and health authorities in order to jointly combat the growth of antibacterial resistance and change citizens' attitudes towards antibiotics.
Among the common misconceptions identified were the following:
- antibiotic resistance develops due to the formation of the body's resistance (in reality, only bacteria acquire resistance to antibiotics, which subsequently hinders the treatment of infections)
- It is impossible to become infected with antibiotic resistance if you take the drugs according to the treatment plan, and it is also believed that resistance develops only in those who regularly take antibiotics
- Almost half of respondents believed that people can do nothing to prevent this problem, slightly fewer respondents placed their hope in doctors, who should solve the problem of antibacterial resistance.
Most respondents said that to prevent the growth of resistance, farmers should reduce the amount of antibiotics given to animals.
To address this issue and increase public awareness, the WHO campaign "Antibiotics - Use with Caution!" was launched. In addition, in May of this year, a large-scale action plan was approved aimed at combating antimicrobial resistance. One of the main goals of the plan is to increase awareness and understanding of the process of developing antibacterial resistance in citizens.
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