Misusing Antibiotics Is Fueling Superbugs and Silent Deaths Worldwide

By Emmanuel Nyanza - In today’s fast-paced world, it’s tempting to reach for a quick fix the moment we feel under the weather. A stuffy nose? Antibiotics. A sneezing fit? More antibiotics. But here’s a reality check: antibiotics are not candy, and using them like sweets could do more harm than good.

At Webuye District Hospital, Dr. Isabella Kasili has seen firsthand the consequences of antibiotic misuse. She explains that antibiotics are prescribed to treat bacterial infections that may not clear up on their own, those that could worsen, cause complications, or spread to others if left untreated. But that doesn’t mean they should be your go-to for every illness.

Antibiotics should only be taken when necessary and under a doctor’s supervision,” says Dr. Kasili. “Dosages are not random, they’re carefully prescribed based on a patient’s body weight and the severity of the infection.”

For some conditions, doctors even carry out culture and sensitivity tests to ensure the medication will be effective and to prevent resistance. Depending on the nature of the illness, some antibiotics must be taken every six hours, others every twelve, daily, weekly, or even monthly.

The length of treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all matter either. It depends on several factors, including the site of infection, the patient’s general health, and the mode of administration, whether taken orally or through injection. In most cases, the duration ranges from seven to fourteen days.

Skipping doses, stopping medication halfway through, or using leftover antibiotics is not only risky, it’s dangerous. Failing to follow prescriptions can lead to antibiotic resistance, where bacteria become stronger, smarter, and no longer respond to medication. 

When treatment fails, patients often face longer hospital stays, costlier second-line treatments, and recurring infections that are tougher to manage. The emotional and financial burden can be overwhelming.

Globally, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is no longer a distant threat, it’s here with us. According to the World Health Organization, drug-resistant infections caused at least 1.27 million deaths in 2019, and were associated with nearly 5 million more. 

These figures come from one of the largest studies ever conducted on AMR and paint a grim picture: bacteria are evolving faster than our ability to treat them. 

The rise of superbugs, bacteria that no longer respond to the antibiotics we rely on, is already putting strain on routine medical procedures like surgeries, cancer treatments, and organ transplants. Even animal farming and food safety are being disrupted as antibiotics used in livestock contribute to environmental resistance.

And it gets worse. If current trends continue, AMR-related deaths could rise to 2 million per year by 2050, with some models projecting up to 10 million deaths annually, a figure that would eclipse current global cancer deaths. 

Over 1.27 million lives were lost to drug-resistant infections in 2019 alone. Misuse fuels superbugs, and the world is paying the price. Here's what the data says, and what you can do to help.

Economically, the situation is just as dire. Healthcare costs could surge by over US $1 trillion, and the global economy could lose between $1 to $3.4 trillion each year due to lost productivity, prolonged illness, and overburdened health systems.

Yet despite the scale of the problem, most cases of misuse are preventable. Many people still believe antibiotics can cure viral infections like the flu or common cold. 

Others self-medicate with expired or leftover drugs or purchase antibiotics over-the-counter without any prescription. In some cases, patients pressure doctors to prescribe antibiotics even when they aren't necessary, and some doctors, unfortunately, oblige. Health illiteracy remains a major contributor. Too many people don’t know when antibiotics help, and when they don’t.

Never share antibiotics or use someone else’s medication,” warns Dr. Kasili. “Leftover drugs should not be saved for future use. Always store antibiotics in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children, and report any side effects to your healthcare provider immediately.”

When used properly, antibiotics are life-saving. But when misused, they lose their power, not just for you, but for everyone. Every unnecessary pill swallows up a bit more of our medical progress. We are dangerously close to entering a post-antibiotic era, where even a mild infection could become deadly again.

Antibiotics are not multivitamins, breath mints, or painkillers. They are powerful medications that should be handled with knowledge and caution. So, the next time you’re tempted to treat antibiotics like a casual fix, pause. Ask yourself if you really need them. Because saving antibiotics today means saving lives tomorrow.