Bacteria become resistant to antibiotics after they have been exposed to them often enough. When you take an antibiotic, the organisms it affects struggle to survive. After repeated courses of antibiotic therapy, these organisms may successfully change their structure so that the antibiotic may no longer be effective. Antibiotics sometimes cause allergic or toxic reactions that may be uncomfortable or even dangerous. People with allergies to antibiotics may develop rashes, hives, and, in rare instances, may even die.
Antibiotic therapy is expensive.
Spending money for antibiotics that are useless against colds and the flu doesn't make sense. 2000 by The Regents of the University of Minnesota . The University is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Last updated March 07, 2001.