Experts are warning that infections that antibiotics can't kill could rise after the coronavirus pandemic ends.After Covid, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says a "hidden pandemic" could follow due to antibiotic-resistant bloodstream infections.
The agency issued a warning against the unnecessary use of antibiotics - especially for 'cold-like symptoms'. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria no longer responds to treatment, causing serious complications, including bloodstream infections and hospitalisation.
Even though a new report showed that the overall number of bloodstream infections decreased in 2020, the proportion of antibiotic-resistant infections increased, which does not bode well for the post-pandemic years.