The problem
Every unnecessary antibiotic prescription selects for resistant bacteria. Over time, routine infections (cystitis, pneumonia) could again become deadly. The WHO attributes more than 1.2 million deaths directly to antimicrobial resistance each year.
When are antibiotics really useful?
- Confirmed strep throat (positive rapid diagnostic test).
- Symptomatic urinary-tract infection in adults.
- Bacterial pneumonia, documented acute otitis media in young children.
- Skin infections such as erysipelas.
Acute bronchitis, common cold, influenza and most sore throats are viral: antibiotics do not speed recovery and expose you to side effects.
Best practices
- Never restart antibiotics from an old prescription.
- Stick to the prescribed duration — no more, no less.
- Return unused tablets to your pharmacy.
- Ask your doctor: “Is this really a bacterial infection?”
Ask CureIQ
“Does my symptom require antibiotics?” — CureIQ cross-checks WHO, HAS and NICE guidance and tells you when to seek in-person care.