Antibiotic Resistance: What It Is, Why It’s Rising, and How to Protect Yourself

Antibiotics revolutionized modern medicine — turning once-deadly infections into easily treatable conditions. But today, these lifesaving medications are becoming less effective. The reason? Antibiotic resistance, an alarming global health threat caused by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in humans and livestock.

Drug-resistant bacteria already infect more than 2.8 million people in the United States each year, according to the CDC. Without intervention, everyday infections could once again become dangerous, and surgeries, cancer treatments, and organ transplants would carry higher risks.

Here’s what you need to know — especially if you’ve recently been prescribed antibiotics or want to protect your family from hard-to-treat infections.

What Is Antibiotic Resistance?

Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria evolve so that medications designed to kill them no longer work. Instead of dying, the bacteria adapt, multiply, and spread.

Important note:
It’s the bacteria that become resistant — not your body.

Over time, these resistant bacteria can turn once-simple infections into serious medical issues that require stronger, more toxic, or more expensive treatments.

Why Antibiotic Resistance Is Increasing

Several factors have rapidly accelerated the rise of drug-resistant bacteria:

1. Overuse of Antibiotics in Humans

Antibiotics are often prescribed for viral illnesses — like colds and sinus infections — even though antibiotics cannot treat viruses. This unnecessary exposure allows bacteria to adapt and become resistant.

2. Not Finishing Prescriptions

Stopping antibiotics early (even when you feel better) can leave behind stronger, resistant bacteria that keep multiplying.

3. Overuse in Livestock & Agriculture

Nearly 70% of antibiotics sold in the U.S. are used in livestock, not humans.
Farm animals often receive antibiotics to promote rapid growth or prevent illness — even when they’re not sick.

These resistant bacteria can spread through:

• meat and poultry,
• contaminated soil and water,
• and even onto fruits and vegetables.

4. Global Travel

Resistant bacteria spread quickly across borders, making local outbreaks a worldwide problem.

Signs & Risks of Drug-Resistant Infections

Antibiotic-resistant infections may start like ordinary illnesses but are harder to treat.

Common symptoms include:

• fever or chills
• persistent infection despite antibiotics
• worsening redness, swelling, or pain
• repeated UTIs or sinus infections
• skin abscesses that don’t improve

Drug-resistant infections can lead to severe complications, including:

• bloodstream infections
• pneumonia
• surgical wound infections
• sepsis
• hospitalization

This is why preventing resistance is crucial — both for personal and public health.

How to Protect Yourself and Reduce Antibiotic Resistance

1. Only Take Antibiotics When Truly Necessary

Antibiotics do not treat:

• colds
• the flu
• COVID-19
• most sore throats
• most sinus infections

Never pressure your doctor for antibiotics if they say you don’t need them.

2. Always Finish the Full Prescription

Even if you feel better on day 2 or 3 — keep taking it until it’s gone.

3. Avoid Antibiotics in Meat

Choose:

• “No antibiotics ever”
• “Raised without antibiotics”
• Certified organic meat and poultry

Avoid labels like:

• “No medically important antibiotics”
• “Antibiotic-free” (not an official USDA term)

4. Wash Hands Frequently

Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent resistant infections.

5. Keep Vaccinations Updated

Vaccines prevent infections — which reduces the need for antibiotics in the first place.

6. Don’t Share or Save Antibiotics

They expire, and taking the wrong antibiotic can worsen resistance.

Antibiotic Resistance in the Future

If current trends continue, experts warn:

• surgeries may become riskier,
• minor injuries could become life-threatening,
• and routine infections may require IV treatments instead of pills.

But antibiotic resistance is still preventable.

With smart prescribing, responsible food choices, and better public health awareness, we can help preserve antibiotics for future generations.

When to See a Doctor

If an infection isn’t improving or is worsening despite treatment, seek medical care immediately. You may need a different antibiotic, a culture test, or specialist care.

BASS Medical Group providers can evaluate stubborn infections, review medications, and ensure you receive the safest, most effective treatment.