First, bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics. Each time an antibiotic is taken, sensitive bacteria are killed but resistant ones are left to grow and multiply. These resistant bacteria can then be spread to others in the family and the community. The more antibiotics that are taken, the higher the chance that people will be infected with resistant bacteria. It is also important to remember that antibiotics are not benign medicines.
Many people die each year from allergic reactions to antibiotics.
Antibiotics can also cause diarrhea and fungal infections. Therefore, antibiotics are wonderful medicines when used properly to treat bacterial infections. However, when used to treat viruses, they do more harm than good.