Overview
Taking antibiotics you don't need helps these germs grow stronger.
Most people who carry these germs on their skin are not sick.
Symptoms
Common signs:
- Antibiotic-resistant infection
When to get medical care
Call 911Fever with confusion or low blood pressure.
Get care todaySpreading infection.
See a doctor soonInfection not improving.
Causes
Overuse of antibiotics.
Does it spread or run in families?
- Yes, it can spread from person to person.
- How it spreads: touch, hospitals, clinics, water, or usually your own gut bacteria.
- Washing hands often and staying home when sick help protect others.
Who is more likely to get it
- Hospital stays
Diagnosis
Cultures show which antibiotic works.
Tests
Tests, if needed:
- Culture:
Treatment
Prevent spread.
Self-care
- Wash hands
- Cover wounds
- Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed
Medicines
Medicines that may help:
| Medicine | Helps with | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Specific antibiotics | Infection |
OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.
Prevention
- Handwashing
Which doctor treats this
- Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
- They may send you to an infectious disease specialist, for hard-to-treat infections.
Back to school, work, or sports
- Stay home until 2 days after vomiting and diarrhea stop, especially if you work with food, children, or patients.
- Wash hands well after using the toilet.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
- Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
- Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
- Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
- Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.
Outlook
Treatable.
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.