Bacteria that develop antibiotic resistance don’t respond to standard treatments. The result can be a bacterial infection that’s difficult to treat. Having a specific antibiotic-resistant gene indicates that when treating a bacterial infection, the provider may need to consider a different drug class outside of the one they have a resistance to.
According to Cleveland Clinic, to help lower the risk of developing antibiotic resistance:
- Only take antibiotics prescribed for you. Don’t take someone else’s medicine.
- Follow your healthcare provider’s advice to treat your symptoms without antibiotics. Don’t pressure your provider for an unnecessary prescription.
- Set a reminder on your phone so you don’t miss a dose. If you do forget to take your medicine, ask your provider what to do.
- Take all of the medicine as prescribed, even if you feel better. If you stop an antibiotic too soon, bacteria can start to grow again, and they may develop resistance.
- Wash your hands regularly. Good hygiene lowers your risk of getting a bacterial infection.
Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21655-antibiotic-resistance
