HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini
Overview of antibiotic-resistant infections
Tirohanga whānui ki ngā pokenga whawhai rongoā paturopi
This page has links to information in te reo Māori.
Infections caused by bacteria (germs) are often treated with antibiotics. Unfortunately, some bacteria no longer respond to common antibiotics. This means the bacteria continues to cause infection.
This is called being antibiotic resistant. These bacteria are also known as multi-drug-resistant organisms (MDRO).
Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria are difficult to treat. These types of infection are still rare. But they are increasing in New Zealand, both in healthcare facilities and in the community. They are also a major public health problem worldwide.
Antibiotics only work against bacteria. They do not work for viral infections like a cold or the flu. Using antibiotics when they are not needed drives bacteria to become more resistant.
There are several things you can do to reduce antibiotic resistance.
- Regularly wash your hands and keep up to date with vaccinations.
- Remember the 3Cs to prevent you and your family from getting food poisoning when cooking at home. Clean, cook, chill.
- Trust your health provider if they say you do not need antibiotics. Ask them about other ways to relieve your symptoms.
- Only take antibiotics if they are prescribed for you. Do not use or share leftover antibiotics.
- If antibiotics are prescribed for you, follow your health provider’s advice on when and how to take them.
- Take any unused antibiotics back to your pharmacy so they are disposed of safely and do not enter the environment.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Te Whatu Ora Waitaha – Multi-drug resistant organism (MDRO)
More information about multi-drug resistant-organisms. Includes how someone gets one, what happens if you or your tamaiti (child) has one and what precautions you need to take. The factsheet is also available in te reo Māori.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed May 2025.
SourcesReview key: HIMDR-85207
