>
Superbugs: A Growing Threat
What are superbugs?
Superbugs are bacteria or viruses that are resistant to commonly used antibiotics and antiviral medications. This makes them difficult or impossible to treat, and can lead to serious illness and even death.
How do superbugs develop?
Superbugs can develop when bacteria or viruses mutate and become resistant to antibiotics or antiviral medications. This can happen when patients take antibiotics or antiviral medications incorrectly or do not finish their entire course of treatment. It can also happen when bacteria or viruses are exposed to antibiotics or antiviral medications in the environment.
What are the risks of superbugs?
Superbugs can cause a variety of serious infections, including:
- Pneumonia
- Sepsis
- Meningitis
- Urinary tract infections
- Skin and soft tissue infections
Superbugs can be deadly, particularly for people who are already sick or have weakened immune systems.
How can we prevent the spread of superbugs?
There are several things we can do to prevent the spread of superbugs, including:
- Taking antibiotics and antiviral medications exactly as prescribed
- Finishing the entire course of treatment, even if we start to feel better
- Not sharing antibiotics or antiviral medications with other people
- Washing our hands frequently
- Avoiding contact with people who are sick
- Getting vaccinated against preventable infections
By taking these steps, we can help to reduce the risk of developing and spreading superbugs.