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Which has increased antibiotic resistance?
reducing the amount of antibiotics given to animals
taking the full prescription of antibiotics to kill the bacteria
identifying whether illnesses are caused by viruses or bacteria
prescribing antibiotics for illnesses like colds and flus
prescribing antibiotics for illnesses like colds and flus
The factors that have contributed to the increase in antibiotic resistance are both reducing the amount of antibiotics given to animals and prescribing antibiotics for illnesses like colds and flus. While taking the full prescription of antibiotics to kill the bacteria is important, it does not directly contribute to the increase in antibiotic resistance. Additionally, identifying whether illnesses are caused by viruses or bacteria helps prevent the unnecessary use of antibiotics, thus indirectly contributing to reducing antibiotic resistance.
The factor that has increased antibiotic resistance is prescribing antibiotics for illnesses like colds and flus.
To arrive at this answer, we need to understand what antibiotic resistance is and how it can be influenced by certain actions.
Antibiotic resistance is a phenomenon where bacteria evolve to become resistant to the effects of antibiotics. This means that the antibiotics that were previously effective in killing the bacteria no longer work.
Now, let's examine each option and see how it relates to antibiotic resistance:
1. Reducing the amount of antibiotics given to animals: While overuse of antibiotics in animal agriculture can contribute to antibiotic resistance, this specific option does not directly address human antibiotic usage and its impact on resistance.
2. Taking the full prescription of antibiotics to kill the bacteria: This behavior is considered beneficial in preventing antibiotic resistance. When antibiotics are prescribed for a specific infection, taking the full course of the medication helps ensure that all the bacteria causing the infection are effectively eradicated.
3. Identifying whether illnesses are caused by viruses or bacteria: This option does not directly impact antibiotic resistance itself, but it plays a role in helping to lower unnecessary antibiotic usage. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, not viral infections. By accurately identifying the cause of an illness, healthcare providers can avoid prescribing antibiotics when they are not necessary, thereby reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance.
4. Prescribing antibiotics for illnesses like colds and flus: This option directly contributes to antibiotic resistance. Colds and flus are viral infections, and antibiotics are not effective against viruses. Prescribing antibiotics for viral infections is unnecessary and increases the risk of developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Therefore, based on the given options, the action of prescribing antibiotics for illnesses like colds and flus has increased antibiotic resistance.