Antibiotic resistance: everyday choices that protect treatment

The October 2026 update

On 5 October, WHO reported that national plans to address antimicrobial resistance across Asia and the Pacific are improving, but many lack adequate funding. The report draws on information from 28 countries. Its message is about gaps in prevention and health systems, not a new diagnosis that readers can make themselves.

For an individual patient, the practical aim remains appropriate care: avoid unnecessary antibiotics while seeking timely assessment when an infection could need treatment.

Sources: WHO — Asia-Pacific antimicrobial resistance update, 5 October 2026

It is the germs that become resistant

Antimicrobial resistance happens when organisms no longer respond to medicines designed to treat them. Antibiotic resistance is the part involving bacteria and antibiotics; antimicrobial resistance also covers other organisms and medicines.

It does not mean your body has become immune to an antibiotic. Resistant organisms can spread between people and through the environment. Misuse and overuse contribute, but poor infection control and limited access to suitable tests and treatment also matter. You cannot identify resistance just from the colour of mucus, a symptom list or how strong an illness feels.

Sources: WHO — Antimicrobial resistance

When an antibiotic can help

Antibiotics treat selected bacterial infections. They do not treat viruses that cause colds or flu, and some mild bacterial infections also improve without them. A clinician considers the likely cause, severity, your health history and sometimes a test before recommending treatment.

Instead of asking for a particular antibiotic, ask what is most likely causing the illness, what would help you feel better, and which changes should trigger another assessment. A clear follow-up plan matters whether or not a prescription is given.

Sources: CDC — Antibiotic do’s and don’ts

Make a prescription easier to follow safely

• Take the medicine exactly as prescribed, including the agreed duration.
• Ask the pharmacist about food, other medicines, side effects and missed doses.
• Tell the prescriber about allergies, pregnancy, breastfeeding and relevant health conditions.
• Do not share antibiotics, take another person’s prescription or save leftovers for a future illness.
• Ask a pharmacist how to dispose of unused medicine locally.

Keep the instructions with the pack and set a reminder if useful. If side effects occur or symptoms change, contact the prescriber or pharmacist rather than independently changing the dose or treatment length.

Sources: CDC — Antibiotic do’s and don’ts; NHS — Antibiotics: use, side effects and precautions

Prevent infections and know when to return

Handwashing, safe food preparation and recommended vaccinations help reduce infections and the need for treatment. These protections are useful even for someone who rarely takes antibiotics. Families can make handwashing supplies and vaccination records easy to find.

Seek further medical advice if symptoms worsen, do not improve within the timeframe you were given, or side effects are troublesome. New breathing difficulty, swelling of the mouth or throat, collapse or severe confusion needs immediate emergency help. Do not use this article to decide that a seriously unwell person can wait.

Our family health guide covers everyday prevention habits you can make repeatable.

Sources: CDC — Hygiene basics; WHO — Vaccines and immunization; NHS — Antibiotics: use, side effects and precautions

Common questions