Medical personnel are reporting an increase in cases of antibiotic resistance since the start of the Covid pandemic.

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria no longer respond to the antibiotics that are used to treat them. This leads to infections being harder to treat and increased mortality.

Consultant Microbiologist at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Dr. Allison Nicholson, says with the increase in respiratory tract infections caused by Covid, antibiotics are being overused, contributing to resistance.

Dr. Nicholson is urging healthcare providers not to prescribe antibiotics to patients unless they are certain they need them.

Consultant Microbiologist at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Dr. Allison Nicholson

She was speaking at the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ launch of World Anti-Microbial Awareness week this morning (November 15).

Image: NetDoctor