Antimicrobial Resistance (Set 2 in English): Understanding AMR

Causes of AMR – How Do We Make the Problem Worse?

Hello and welcome to today’s episode of “Sangyan Podcast.” I’m your host, Sakshi. Today, we’ll discuss how our actions can make AMR worse without us even realizing it.

Taking Antibiotics for a Cold

Antibiotics are for bacteria, not viruses like the ones that cause colds. Taking them for a cold unless advised by a health expert doesn't help and gives bacteria a chance to become resistant, making future treatments less effective.

Not Finishing Prescribed Medicines

Sometimes we skip or stop taking antibiotics once we start feeling better, even if the full course is not finished. This leaves some bacteria alive, often the strongest ones. These bacteria can grow and adapt, making them harder to kill with the same medicine next time.

Using Antibiotics Without a Doctor’s Advice

Taking leftover antibiotics or using them without consulting a doctor can cause bacteria to resist the medicine, making it harder to treat infections in the future.

Antibiotics in Farming and Animal Food

Antibiotics are mostly used by big companies involved in animal and poultry farming. These companies often give antibiotics to healthy animals to help them grow faster and prevent illness. This excessive use can lead to bacteria developing resistance. When these resistant bacteria enter our bodies through products like meat or milk, it becomes very difficult to treat the infections they cause.

Overuse of Antimicrobial Products

The frequent use of antibacterial soaps, hand sanitizers, and cleaning products can also contribute to resistance. While these products kill many germs, they can leave behind the strongest, most resistant ones, allowing them to multiply

Host: Our everyday actions can make AMR worse. Being mindful of how we use antibiotics is a simple yet powerful step we can all take. This is all for today’s episode, we will meet in the next episode. Till then stay safe, stay healthy.