1 - Myth: “I have not been exposed to antibiotics, so I am not at risk of developing an infection that is resistant to them.”

Fact: Even if a person has never taken antibiotics, it is still possible for them to contract an infection that is resistant to these medications. It is important to note that approximately 10% of individuals carry bacteria in their bodies that are resistant to antibiotics.

2 - Myth: “Only infected patients can transmit antimicrobial resistance.” 

Fact: Antimicrobial resistant infections can affect any person at any stage of life. Healthy people can transmit antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, as it is the bacteria that become resistant, not the individual. This is critical in healthcare settings where an AMR infection can be passed from one patient to another by healthcare workers. 

3 - Myth: “Antibiotics can treat all infections.”

Fact: Infections can be caused by a range of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. Antibiotics specifically work against bacteria, antiviral medications against viruses, and antifungals against fungal infections. This means that antibiotics will not cure a viral cold or Athletes foot (caused by fungi). Taking antibiotics to treat an infection that is not caused by bacteria will not be effective and may be contributing to AMR. 

4 - Myth: “Antibiotics can be stopped when the symptoms stop.”

Fact: In many cases, as the bacteria are cleared through antibiotic use, the symptoms of the infection will lessen and eventually disappear. Despite this, it is incredibly important to complete the course of antibiotics as prescribed by the general practitioner. Stopping treatment early could allow a proportion of bacteria to remain in the body, reproduce and emerge as a resistant strain. 

References

Antibiotic Research UK. (2019). Myths About Antibiotic Resistance | Antibiotic Research UK. [online] Available at: https://www.antibioticresearch.org.uk/about-antibiotic-resistance/bacte… [Accessed 10 Jun. 2023].

Antimicrobial resistance (2017). Antimicrobial resistance. [online] Health Education England. Available at: https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/antimicrobial-resistance [Accessed 10 Jun. 2023].

WHO (2021). Antimicrobial resistance. [online] www.who.int. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistan… [Accessed 9 Jun. 2023].

NHS England Antimicrobial resistance (AMR). [online] Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/prevention/antimicrobial-resistance-… [Accessed 10 Jun. 2023].