Antibiotic is the most useful weapon in modern medical science to treat a patient with diseases that cause bacterial infection. If we divide the word ‘antibiotic,’ we get two parts- anti and biotic. Anti means against and biotic means any life form. But antibiotic is targeted towards specific bacterial cells that are infectious and harmful for the human body and usually causes diseases. The invention of antibiotic drugs is a blessing for humankind. But unfortunately, we have been misusing the blessing, thus creating the antibiotic-resistant bacteria called superbugs.

How antibiotic resistance is created

Antibiotics work by destroying the bacteria that is infecting the body and attacking the immune system. But when antibiotic is used excessively and without any precautions, the bacteria develop a certain resistance against the antibiotic. It can withstand the attack of the antibiotic. It takes time to get this resistance. Just like humans develop immunity to diseases or infections, in this case, the bacteria do that. Bacteria is a life form. So, evolution plays its part and slowly over time, the structure of their DNA changes and creates the resistance. The resistant bacteria are called ‘superbugs.’ No antibiotic is effective on them. So the disease created by the bacteria remains untreated. Hence causing the death of the patient.

Why did antibacterial resistance happen?

The inventor of the antibiotic, Sir Alexander Fleming himself warned the people himself about the resistance. He said that the drug is going to be very effective and people are going to want it more and more to get cured rather than preventing the disease. And his words came true. People don’t like to be sick. They want quick relief and freedom from the burden of sickness. So even for a common cold, they go for high powered antibiotics despite the fact that antibiotics don’t work on viruses. People have the misconception that antibiotic is applicable for any kind of infection. But that is absolutely wrong. Antibiotic kills bacteria and bacteria only. Bacteria is a biological cell. On the contrary, virus is often not considered as a biological body. In any event, the antibiotic does not work on viruses. But people’s misconception about the fact leads them to take a mouthful of antibiotic whenever they get the common cold. Which is caused by a virus called ‘rhinovirus.’ So it is essentially not affecting the virus at all. The only cure for cold is proper rest and healthy eating. This is just one case. Even for mild bacterial diseases that can go away on its own, people just get some antibiotics.

Why are the doctors prescribing antibiotics?

The situation goes in two ways. Sometimes the doctor is not up to date with the concept of antibacterial resistance or the superbugs. They don’t know the consequences it can bring and prescribe them. And another critical problem is that the patient doesn’t like to get out of the doctor’s chamber empty-handed after paying so much for a visit. So they basically pressure the physician into writing them a prescription for antibiotics. They think the antibiotic to be the “cure-for-all” medicine.

Antibiotic was a blessing when there was nothing to prevent death from a bacterial disease. But that time is coming again. Before falling sick, you should consider getting yourself the Medicare Supplement plans 2019 if you are a senior citizen of the US.