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Antibiotics help cure many illnesses because they kill the bacteria that make you sick. But over time, some bacteria can begin to defend themselves against antibiotics and become antibiotic-resistant. If you get infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, your illness may be more difficult to treat, meaning you'll be sick longer and risk spreading your illness to friends or family. One of the best ways to prevent bacteria from becoming antibiotic-resistant is to follow these tips for safe antibiotic use:

• Use antibiotics only when your healthcare provider prescribes them.
  Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses. If you feel sick, only your doctor will know for sure if you need an antibiotic.

• Take all of the antibiotics prescribed.
  Even when you feel better, you may still have infectious bacteria in your body that could make you sick again.

• Never take antibiotics prescribed for someone else or save some for the next time you get sick. An antibiotic prescribed for someone else's illness may not work for you and could make your illness worse. Not finishing your entire prescription could leave harmful bacteria in your body.

• Don't pressure your doctor to prescribe antibiotics to treat symptoms of a cold or other viral illnesses.
  Most sore throats, coughs and runny noses are caused by viruses, which cannot be cured with antibiotics. If you take an antibiotic to treat these illnesses, not only will you not get any better, you can make the antibiotic less effective for the time when you really need it.

• Check with your pediatrician to confirm that your children are up-to-date on their immunizations.
  This is an important step in helping your family fight disease. One of the best ways to prevent antibiotic-resistant bacteria from forming is to not get sick in the first place!

• Wash your hands thoroughly and often.
  Washing your hands helps prevent illness and the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Experts advise healthy individuals against using antibacterial soaps, as they may contribute to the development of germs that are resistant to antibiotics.