Question 1

What are antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotics are special medicines that help fight germs called bacteria. They help us get better when we have certain kinds of infections.

Question 2

Who discovered the first antibiotic?

Accepted Answer

The first antibiotic was discovered by a scientist named Alexander Fleming in 1928. He found it by accident when he saw that a mold called penicillin could kill bacteria.

Question 3

How do antibiotics work?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotics work by killing bacteria or stopping them from growing. This helps our bodies fight off the infection and make us feel better.

Question 4

Do antibiotics work on all infections?

Accepted Answer

No, antibiotics only work on infections caused by bacteria. They won't help if you're sick with a virus, like a cold or the flu.

Question 5

Why aren't antibiotics used for colds or the flu?

Accepted Answer

Colds and the flu are caused by viruses, not bacteria. Antibiotics can't kill viruses, so they don't help with those kinds of illnesses.

Question 6

What impact have antibiotics had on the world?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotics have saved millions of lives by treating infections that used to be very dangerous. They've helped people live longer and healthier lives.

Question 7

Can taking antibiotics hurt us?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes antibiotics can have side effects, like upset stomachs or allergic reactions. It's important to take them only when needed and as a doctor tells us.

Question 8

What happens if we take antibiotics too much?

Accepted Answer

If antibiotics are used too much, bacteria can change and become stronger, which makes them harder to kill. This is called antibiotic resistance, and it can make it harder to treat infections.

Question 9

What is antibiotic resistance?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria learn to survive even when medicines try to kill them. This makes infections harder to treat and can make people stay sick longer.

Question 10

How can we help prevent antibiotic resistance?

Accepted Answer

We can help by only using antibiotics when a doctor says we need them and by finishing all the medicine even if we feel better. It's also important not to share antibiotics with others.

Question 11

Are antibiotics found naturally?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some antibiotics come from nature, like penicillin, which comes from mold. Scientists also create other antibiotics in laboratories.

Question 12

Did people use anything like antibiotics before they were discovered?

Accepted Answer

Before antibiotics, people used herbs, honey, and even moldy bread to try to treat infections. But these weren't as effective as antibiotics.

Question 13

How do doctors decide when to give antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Doctors look at your symptoms and might do tests to see if bacteria are causing your sickness. If they are, the doctor might give antibiotics to help you get better.

Question 14

What's the difference between antibiotics and vaccines?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotics treat infections after we're already sick. Vaccines help protect us from getting sick in the first place by training our bodies to fight certain germs.

Question 15

How have antibiotics changed surgery?

Accepted Answer

Before antibiotics, surgeries were much riskier because infections could easily happen. Now, antibiotics help prevent and treat infections in surgery, making it safer.

Question 16

Why shouldn't we stop taking antibiotics early?

Accepted Answer

Stopping antibiotics too soon can let bacteria survive and get stronger. It's important to take all the medicine so the infection is completely gone.

Question 17

Can animals take antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Yes, animals can get sick from bacteria too, and vets give them antibiotics when needed. It's important to use them correctly to keep animals healthy.

Question 18

What would the world be like without antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Without antibiotics, many infections would be much more dangerous or even deadly. Simple injuries and surgeries would have high risks of complications.

Question 19

How have antibiotics changed since they were first discovered?

Accepted Answer

Since penicillin was discovered, scientists have developed many different types of antibiotics. This helps treat a wide variety of bacterial infections more effectively.

Question 20

Can bacteria become immune to antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when bacteria become resistant, it's like they're wearing armor against antibiotics. This makes it tough for the medicine to work and is why we must use antibiotics wisely.

The History and Impact of Antibiotics - 20 FAQs Explained Simply