About antimicrobial resistance
Antimicrobials are medications for people and animals that help prevent the growth and spread of germs or microbes like:
- bacteria
- viruses
- fungi
- parasites
These germs each need a specific antimicrobial:
- Antibiotics to treat or prevent bacterial infections.
- Antivirals to treat or prevent viral infections.
- Antifungals to treat or prevent fungal infections.
- Antiparasitics to treat or prevent parasitic infections.
Antimicrobial resistance happens when germs change in ways that make antimicrobial medication less effective. Sometimes germs can even become resistant to certain antimicrobials. This is a natural process that can be made worse by using too many antimicrobials or using them in the wrong way. Examples include:
- taking the wrong type of medication for an infection, such as taking antibiotics for a viral infection, like a cold
- being prescribed the wrong type, dose or duration of medication
- taking medication in ways other than prescribed
- taking medication when not needed, such as:
- sharing or taking someone else’s medication
- taking leftover medication without a prescription
Infections can be hard or impossible to treat if medication doesn’t work due to growing resistance.
International travel and movement of people, animals and other products give antimicrobial-resistant germs a higher chance to spread. As such, the threat of antimicrobial resistance requires a global effort to address.
Learn more:
- Fact sheet: What you need to know about antimicrobial medications like antibiotics [2024-12-17]
- Antimicrobial resistance: Prevention and risks
- Travelling outside Canada to receive medical care