Myth: Stopping antibiotic courses early leads to antibiotic resistance.
Fact: Antibiotic use leads to antibiotic resistance. More use causes more resistance
Myth: Antibiotics are needed for all infections.
Fact: Antibiotics only work on bacterial infections, not viral infections such as the common cold or flu
Myth: Antibiotics are harmless.
Fact: Unnecessary use of antibiotics can lead to side effects and antibiotic resistance.
Myth: Antibiotic resistance is only a problem in hospitals.
Fact: Antibiotic resistance can occur anywhere. While it is a significant issue in hospitals due to the high use of antibiotics, resistance can also develop in the community setting, particularly through the misuse of antibiotics in primary care and agriculture.
Myth: Stronger antibiotics are always better.
Fact: The strength of an antibiotic is not always the primary factor in its effectiveness. The choice of antibiotic should be based on its appropriateness for the specific type of bacteria causing the infection. Overuse of “stronger” antibiotics can unnecessarily accelerate the development of resistance.
