Antibiotics have saved millions of lives by treating bacterial infections that were once deadly. But over time, some bacteria have learned how to survive these medications, making infections harder to treat.
This growing problem is known as antibiotic resistance, and it has become one of the world’s most important public health challenges.
Quick answer: Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria evolve in ways that allow them to survive antibiotics that previously killed them. As resistance spreads, common infections become harder to treat, increasing the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and complications.
What is antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change over time and no longer respond to antibiotics that once worked against them.
It’s important to understand that people do not become resistant to antibiotics. Bacteria do.
When resistant bacteria continue to grow despite antibiotic treatment, infections become more difficult to cure.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies antimicrobial resistance as a major public health threat that contributes to millions of infections worldwide each year.
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How does antibiotic resistance happen?
Every time bacteria are exposed to antibiotics, a few naturally resistant bacteria may survive.
Those bacteria continue multiplying and passing along traits that help them survive future antibiotic exposure.
The more unnecessary antibiotic exposure occurs, the more opportunities bacteria have to develop resistance.
Antibiotic resistance develops faster when antibiotics are:
- Used for viral illnesses
- Taken when they aren’t needed
- Taken incorrectly
- Stopped before completing the prescribed course (when directed to complete it)
- Used too frequently across healthcare and agriculture
This process happens gradually over time.
Why don’t antibiotics work for viruses?
Antibiotics only kill bacteria.
They do not treat viral illnesses such as:
- The common cold
- Influenza (flu)
- Most sore throats
- COVID-19
- Most cases of acute bronchitis
Taking antibiotics for viral infections will not help you recover faster and may contribute to antibiotic resistance.
If your healthcare provider recommends rest, fluids, or symptom management instead of antibiotics, it usually means antibiotics are unlikely to help.
Why is antibiotic resistance dangerous?
When antibiotics stop working, infections become much harder to treat.
This can lead to:
- Longer illnesses
- More hospitalizations
- More complicated treatment
- Higher medical costs
- Greater risk of severe complications
In some cases, infections that were once easily treated may require stronger antibiotics given through an IV or combinations of multiple medications.
Some bacteria have become resistant to several antibiotics, leading to the term “multidrug-resistant bacteria” or “superbugs.”
Which infections can become antibiotic resistant?
Many bacterial infections have developed resistance over time.
Examples include:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Pneumonia
- Gonorrhea
- Skin infections
- Bloodstream infections
- Certain foodborne illnesses
Healthcare providers often have alternative treatment options available, but those options may be more limited than they once were.
What can patients do to help prevent antibiotic resistance?
Everyone plays a role.
Simple steps include:
Only take antibiotics when prescribed
Never take antibiotics that were prescribed for someone else.
Don’t use leftover antibiotics to treat a new illness.
Different infections require different medications, doses, and treatment durations.
Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions
Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed.
If you have questions about how long to take your medication or develop side effects, contact your healthcare provider rather than changing the treatment on your own.
Don’t pressure your provider for antibiotics
Sometimes people expect an antibiotic whenever they’re sick.
But if your illness is caused by a virus, antibiotics won’t help.
Your healthcare provider may recommend rest, hydration, or over-the-counter medications instead.
Help prevent infections
Preventing infections reduces the need for antibiotics.
Healthy habits include:
- Washing your hands
- Staying up to date on recommended vaccines
- Preparing food safely
- Covering coughs and sneezes
- Staying home when you’re sick
What is antibiotic stewardship?
Antibiotic stewardship refers to using antibiotics only when they’re truly needed and choosing the right medication, dose, and duration.
Hospitals, clinics, healthcare providers, and patients all contribute to antibiotic stewardship.
The goal isn’t to avoid antibiotics altogether.
It’s to preserve their effectiveness so they continue saving lives when they’re genuinely needed.
What happens if antibiotics don’t work?
If an infection doesn’t respond to the first antibiotic, your healthcare provider may:
- Order additional testing
- Change to a different antibiotic
- Use a combination of antibiotics
- Recommend hospitalization for severe infections
- Consult an infectious disease specialist
Researchers are also studying new antibiotics and alternative approaches to treating resistant infections.
When should you seek medical care?
Talk with a healthcare provider if:
- Your symptoms aren’t improving.
- Your infection seems to be getting worse.
- You develop a high fever.
- You have difficulty breathing.
- You experience severe pain or swelling.
- You have concerns about side effects from an antibiotic.
Seek emergency care immediately for symptoms such as confusion, severe difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, or signs of sepsis.
How can Zocdoc help?
If you think you have a bacterial infection or have questions about antibiotics, Zocdoc can help you find in-network primary care providers and urgent care centers.
You can compare verified patient reviews, check appointment availability, and book online.
The bottom line
Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria evolve to survive medications that once killed them.
Although this is a growing global health challenge, everyone can help slow its spread by using antibiotics responsibly, preventing infections, and following healthcare providers’ recommendations.
Taking antibiotics only when they’re needed helps protect not only your own health but also the effectiveness of these important medications for future generations.
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Frequently asked questions
What is antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change over time and become difficult or impossible to kill with antibiotics that previously worked.
Can your body become resistant to antibiotics?
No. Your body does not become resistant. The bacteria causing an infection develop resistance.
Why don’t antibiotics work for colds or the flu?
Colds and influenza are caused by viruses, and antibiotics only treat bacterial infections.
How can I help prevent antibiotic resistance?
Only take antibiotics when prescribed, follow your provider’s instructions, avoid sharing medications, stay current on vaccinations, and practice good hand hygiene.
What are superbugs?
“Superbugs” are bacteria that have developed resistance to multiple antibiotics, making infections much more difficult to treat.
The information in this article is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied on as medical advice. It is not intended as, and Zocdoc does not provide, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Zocdoc does not recommend any specific provider. Find one you’ll love on Zocdoc today.