Antimicrobial resistance is a growing problem all over the world.
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According to the world health organisation, it refers to the ability of microorganisms (such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites) to stop an antimicrobial from working against it.
Microbes that change to allow the microbe to survive or “resist” a microbial are often referred to as “Super Bugs”.
Without urgent action, common infections and minor injuries have the potential to become life threatening.
Tuberculosis, gonorrhoea and malaria are prime examples of infections that were once effectively treated with available antibiotics but in recent years have adapted to become resistant to a number of previously effective antibiotics treatments.
In the European Union, antimicrobial resistance currently causes the deaths of over 25,000 people per year. Antimicrobial resistance occurs when antimicrobials are used or taken incorrectly;
this can include:
Not finishing the course of antibiotics prescribed by your health professional because you feel better,
Taking friends or family member’s antibiotics or sharing your prescription with someone else, and
Keeping leftovers and using them when you feel unwell without consulting your health professional.
Not all illnesses need antibiotics
Taking antibiotics where your illness isn’t caused by bacteria can actually do more harm to the body than good.
Taking antibiotics when they are not needed will not make a major difference to how you feel or how quickly you recover.
When you start to feel better it is usually your immune system fighting the infection.
Why health professionals are scared of Antimicrobial Resistance?
Antimicrobial resistant infections often result in longer recovery times, higher risks of complications and can also leave you infectious for longer periods; placing your loved ones at higher risk of developing the infection too.
Antibiotic resistance bacteria can even stay in your body for up to 12 months!
As a health professional we are concerned because every time a disease becomes resistant to a new strain of antibiotics, we need to find new alternatives to help fight off the bacteria.
New antibiotics often have to be stronger and result in more severe unwanted side effects.
The biggest problem is that it takes years to develop new medications, as they have to go through a range of testing protocols before they can be used in the healthcare system.
This isn’t helpful to those already living with antimicrobial resistant infections in Australia today.
Antibiotics and livestock industry
Antimicrobial resistance is NOT just caused solely by the medications we take.
The livestock, poultry and dairy industries use antibiotics to kill off harmful bacteria and keep the animal healthy.
However, in Australia we have one of the safest animal products in the world, this is a direct result of our strict regulation.
Australian animal industries use a number of safety precautions to limit the transmission of antibiotics in animals to human but ensuring of products have an appropriate wash out period and us as consumers can reduce our risk of antimicrobial resistance bacteria by making sure all our meat and poultry are well cooked before eating and by buying Australian grown products.
Ultimately, the more we use antibiotics, the increased chance that bacteria have to develop resistance to them.
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There are some things we can do to help reduce antimicrobial resistance-
1. Prevent infections by regularly washing your hands and keeping up to date with vaccinations
2. Prevent infection from food by thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables and cooking food properly. When choosing animal products such as meat and dairy- always select Australian products over international varieties. This includes products such as Whey protein powders and sports supplements.
3. Understand antibiotics only work against bacteria. They do not work for colds and flus which are caused by viruses.
4. Don’t pressure your health professionals for antibiotics if they say you don’t need them. Ask for other ways to relieve your symptoms.
5. Only take antibiotics when they are prescribed for you. Never use or share leftover antibiotics.
6. Follow your health professional’s instructions when you are prescribed antibiotics.
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Jessica Ammendolia is The Area News resident health and well being expert.