What are Superbugs, and How to protect yourself and your family?

Superbugs are several microbial strains that have developed resistance to the medicines designed to treat them. They inhibit the proper treatment of common ailments and have resulted in numerous well-publicized hospital-based epidemics in recent years. And not only in hospitals; strains have been discovered spreading in communities, posing a severe health concern. Recent studies show that more than 750,000 people die from antibiotic-resistant infections annually, and anticipated to reach 10 million by 2050. AMR (Antimicrobial Resistance) is a naturally occurring phenomenon that can be controlled but not stopped. Bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungus adapt to medications supposed to kill them over time and change to ensure their survival. Researchers are indeed investigating how these microorganisms gain resistance. They also examine methods to detect, treat, and prevent antibiotic resistance. The best way to protect against AMR is prevention.     The following are a few measures to take care against Antimicrobial-resistance (AMR):

• Maintain hygiene; often wash or sanitize hands.
• Proper intake of well-cooked food and use of clean water.
• Make sure your vaccinations are up to date
• Take antibiotics only under medical prescription

The use of antibiotics in the long term and its risks.

Antibiotic overuse has been a significant clinical concern. Antibiotic exposure has been associated with changes in gut microbiota, which have been connected to risks of numerous chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Furthermore, the long-term use of antibiotic exposure may be a risk factor for premature death.

Cause of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and growth of superbugs.

Lack of hygiene and consuming contaminated food or water can drive antimicrobial resistance in our bodies. The long-term use of self-medicating antibiotics can lead to superbug growth. Blood transfusions, contact with body fluids, sexual intercourse, and even skin-to-skin contact can spread these superbugs. The best way to prevent the spread of superbugs is to avoid getting in touch with another person's blood or body fluids and regularly wash your hands.

The alarming speed at which bacteria can evolve antibiotic resistance

Humans develop a new generation every 20 years or so; bacteria and viruses produce new generations every 20 to 30 minutes. Microorganisms can gather in huge numbers and with remarkable variation in their communities because they multiply so fast. The researchers used a meter-long petri dish to demonstrate how quickly bacteria can mutate and gain resistance to modern drugs. They discovered that bacteria spread in just 11 days from a region of the petri dish with a very little antibiotic to a section with 1000 times the amount.

The Dangers of Antibiotic Overuse in Children

One in every four children who get antibiotics at hospitals/clinics were prescribed incorrectly. Antibiotic usage is a rising risk to children who acquire or already have drug-resistant illnesses. Antibiotic overuse creates an increased risk to children who develop or already have drug-resistant conditions that are difficult to cure and can result in prolonged hospitalization, disability, and even death.

FAQ's

1. What are superbugs?

Ans: Superbugs are bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungus strains resistant to the majority of antibiotics and other treatments used to treat the diseases they cause.

2. What are the most common superbugs?

Ans: The antibiotic-resistant bacteria (Superbugs) most typically linked with healthcare-related illnesses include Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella.

3. Can superbug infections be cured?

Ans: Antimicrobial resistance (drug resistance) is a naturally occurring phenomenon that can be delayed but not stopped. Bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungus adapt to medications meant to kill them over time and evolve to ensure their survival.

4. What are the symptoms of Superbug infection?

Ans: When superbug infections cause symptoms, they differ greatly depending on the organism which attacks your body. Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Coughing
• Body aches