The world’s most pressing health problems, according to Dr. Asha Thomas, Medical Director for Doctor on Call – a 24/7 medical services facility in UAE. “Some people still believe that using an antibiotic is a quick solution for all illnesses, including a cold and flu. However, overusing them eventually leads the antibiotic to become ineffective against certain bacteria and viruses. In addition, it can result in side effects such as diarrhoea, stomach pains, headaches and even thrush,” she said.
While the consequences of antibiotic resistance are serious, it can also result in long recovery from infections, more frequent or longer hospitalisation and more expensive treatment choices. It has been observed that up to one-third to one-half of antibiotic use in humans is either unnecessary or inappropriate.
To combat antibiotic resistance and avoid adverse reactions, patients should use antibiotics appropriately, only as needed, and most importantly, correctly. Economists estimate that without intervention, up to 10 million deaths, globally, could be at