Department of Health
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites develop the ability to resist the effects of medications.
This makes infections harder to treat and increases the risk of disease, severe illness, and death. You should use antibiotics when needed and as directed by your doctor.
Multiple factors have increased the threat of antimicrobial resistance worldwide, including the incorrect use of medicines in humans, domestic and farm animals, and agriculture.
You can play a role in limiting the growth of AMR by:
- follow your health professional’s instructions when they prescribe antibiotics for you;
- if you have any unused antibiotics (including ointments), don’t flush them down the toilet or put them in the bin and don’t keep them for future use.
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