When we experience any kind of pain in our bodies.
Medications are often the solution, whether for coughs, colds, fever, and others.
In fact, we’re used to stocking up on medicine for any kind of illness.
But what if the medications we’re taking no longer work for our bodies?
Or, what if they’re no longer effective in treating what we’re feeling?
This week, we’re celebrating Antimicrobial Awareness Week.
This celebration was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2015.
The goal of this celebration is to raise awareness about antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines.
These medicines play a crucial role in helping our bodies fight various diseases.
It also advocates for steps to combat the spread of antimicrobial resistance or AMR.
But what exactly is antimicrobial resistance?
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the ability of microbes, such as bacteria, fungi, and parasites, to resist or counteract the effects of drugs like antibiotics.
This is why sometimes common medicines no longer work for our bodies, making it even harder to treat these diseases.
AMR is caused by the improper use of antibiotics or antimicrobial drugs.
For example, when antibiotics are taken in the wrong dosage or at the wrong times as prescribed.
That’s why doctors recommend finishing your antibiotic treatment, even if you start to feel better.
According to the WHO, if AMR is not addressed, even common diseases may become untreatable by medicines.
In fact, it remains one of the biggest global issues.
The WHO reports that 6.22 million people have died globally due to AMR.
If this continues, it could lead to a ‘silent pandemic’ around the world.
However, AMR can still be avoided by:
First, don’t take antibiotics unless prescribed by a doctor.
Second, make sure to complete the prescribed antibiotic treatment, even if you start feeling better.
And finally, maintain good health through proper hygiene and a healthy lifestyle.
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week serves as a reminder to be responsible with the medicines we take and only trust the medications provided by doctors.
**VALERIE ANN DISMAYA
