Let’s talk about something important: antibiotics. In 1921, Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, one of the world’s first antibiotics, and by early 1941, he was ready to try it on humans. The discovery marks a true turning point in human history. But what happens when antibiotics fail?

Antibiotic resistance is a serious public health problem and it happens when bacteria develop resistance to drugs that were once used to treat them. By 2050, antibiotic resistant bacteria are projected to kill 10 million people a year worldwide, more than currently die from cancer, unless action is taken. It’s a frightening thought – that one of our most commonly used drugs is now one of the biggest threats to global health.

As bacteria become increasingly resistant to our arsenal of antibiotics, numerous alternatives to antibiotics are being tested by scientists around the world. Last week, we read that US scientists have discovered a new family of antibiotics – that’s fantastic news!

We will have to wait for more research, but in the meantime, here are three ways you can help prevent antibiotic resistance.

1. Buy meats from animals raised without antibiotics
Approximately 80% of the antibiotics used today are used in agriculture and in particular livestock. Next time you go grocery shopping, make sure you buy meat raised without them. By doing so, you can help contribute to phasing out the routine use of antibiotics.

2. Only use them when you really have to
Antibiotics shorten the duration of symptoms, but only by one day. Also, they cause damage to the immune system, our body’s own defences against infection.

3. If you have to eat antibiotics, always finish your prescriptions
Many people stop taking their antibiotics as soon as they feel better. Even if the symptoms are gone, the infection may still be present in the body and you will then leave bacteria alive inside of you. By finishing your prescription, you ensure that even the strongest bacteria – the ones able to survive the first days of treatment – are killed as well.

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