If your body becomes resistant to antibiotics, will it still become effective as time goes on or it’s for life and what should one do in such situation?

Your body doesn’t develop antibiotic resistance — bacteria do. When antibiotic resistance happens, fewer antibiotics are effective against a particular bacterium. Other antibiotics often help, but it is important to have as many treatment options available as possible.

When antibiotic resistance happens, we don’t know it has happened until we treat someone. The antibiotic that had previously been successful suddenly stops working or becomes less effective. It takes time to realize what is happening, and meanwhile, you get sicker. An infection that previously could be treated at home may require a hospital admission.

If an infection shows signs of antibiotic resistance, your healthcare provider may try a different drug. The new drug may have more severe side effects, and trying a different antibiotic also raises the risk of developing resistance to that drug.

Can you prevent antibiotic resistance?

These steps may lower your 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.

Conclusion
* Bacteria that develop antibiotic resistance don’t respond to standard treatments. The result can be a bacterial infection that’s difficult to treat. Antibiotic resistance is a worldwide health problem. To help prevent drug resistance, healthcare providers prescribe antibiotics only when needed. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics are top contributors to antibiotic resistance. Be sure to follow your provider’s instructions. Take antibiotics only when necessary and exactly as prescribed.