Antibiotic Resistance: Why common infections are becoming harder to treat

15 Oct 2026, 06:59 by Anustupa Mishra · KalingaTV

Antibiotics have transformed modern medicine by helping treat bacterial infections that were once potentially life-threatening.

However, their misuse and overuse are contributing to a growing public health concern known as antibiotic resistance, which can make common infections increasingly difficult to treat.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately one in six laboratory-confirmed bacterial infections worldwide in 2023 was resistant to antibiotic treatment. The organisation has warned that resistance is rising across several types of bacterial infections, creating challenges for healthcare systems globally.

What Is Antibiotic Resistance?

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop the ability to survive medicines designed to kill them or stop their growth. It does not mean that the human body becomes resistant to antibiotics; rather, the bacteria themselves become less responsive to treatment.

How Does Antibiotic Misuse Contribute to the Problem?

Taking antibiotics without medical advice, using them for illnesses they cannot treat or taking the wrong dose can contribute to resistance.

Antibiotics work against certain bacterial infections but do not treat viral illnesses such as the common cold or flu.

How Can Antibiotic Resistance Be Prevented?

Preventing resistance requires responsible medicine use alongside measures that reduce the spread of infections. Individuals can help by following these practices:

Take antibiotics only when prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional.
Follow the prescribed dose and duration, and consult the prescriber before making changes.
Never share antibiotics or use leftover medicines for a new illness.
Maintain hand hygiene and follow safe food-handling practices.
Keep vaccinations up to date to help prevent infections.

Healthcare facilities also play an important role through infection-control measures, appropriate diagnostic testing and responsible antibiotic prescribing.

Why Does It Matter?

Antibiotic resistance can make routine infections harder to manage and increase the risks associated with surgery, cancer treatment and other medical procedures that depend on effective infection control.

The WHO has called for stronger surveillance, better access to diagnostic testing and responsible use of antimicrobial medicines to address the growing threat.

Antibiotic Resistance: Why common infections are becoming harder to treat

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