1. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that unnecessary use of antibiotics after surgery can increase the risk of dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria, commonly known as superbugs.
2. According to the new WHO guidelines, antibiotics should be given before surgery when appropriate, but extending their use after the operation without a medical need offers little benefit and may contribute to antimicrobial resistance.
3. Overuse of antibiotics allows bacteria to adapt and become resistant, making infections much harder to treat. These resistant bacteria are often referred to as superbugs because many commonly used antibiotics no longer work against them.
4. WHO also emphasizes the importance of proper surgical hygiene, sterilized equipment, and infection prevention measures to reduce the need for antibiotics and improve patient safety.
5. Patients should never start, stop, or extend antibiotic treatment on their own after surgery. Antibiotics should only be taken exactly as prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional to help prevent antibiotic resistance.
