Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to a patient when the diagnosis does not fully ascertain if whatever symptoms the patient has are caused by a bacteria or virus. The prescription is made while the patient awaits a test result. Note: Not all infections require antibiotics. An incorrect use can lead to antibiotic resistance.
What are antibiotics?
Antibiotics are antimicrobial drugs used to treat bacterial infections. They work by killing bacteria or preventing them from multiplying. With increasing misuse, the effectiveness of some of these antibiotics is now at a high risk of ineffectiveness. Antibiotics are effective medications that are aimed at destroying bacterial infections.
What is antibiotic misuse?
Antibiotic misuse refers to the wrong use of antibiotics drugs. They can be misused in the following ways:
Wrong prescription: when the antibiotics prescribed do not target the infection-causing bacteria, it would be infective and lead to protracted illness.
Self-prescription: When a person goes to take an antibiotic without the prescription of medical personnel. This might likely end up helping the bacteria build resistance to the antibiotics.
Incomplete treatment: When a person stops antibiotics too early. Probably thinking the treatment of symptoms means the bacterial causing the infestation has been completely killed. It can allow bacteria to survive and multiply, leading to treatment failure and potential development of resistance. 
Incorrect dosage: When a person takes antibiotics in the wrong amount or for the wrong duration, it can reduce the effectiveness and efficiency of the Antibiotics.
Effects of antibiotics misuse
The misuse of antibiotics has had far-reaching effects on the healthcare process and system. Some of these effects include:
Antibiotics resistance: This is one of the limitations antibiotic development is facing in the healthcare system. It is one of the world most urgent public health concerns. Bacteria can evolve and become resistant to antibiotics, making infections harder to treat. This can lead to longer illnesses, increased hospitalization, and even death in extreme cases.
Side effects: Antibiotics can cause some side effects after use. Some examples include diarrhea, nausea, and allergic reactions. When antibiotics are misused it can lead to an increase in the risk of experiencing these side effects.
Increased healthcare costs: Treating antibiotic-resistant infections is often more costly due to the need for specialized care and longer hospital stays.
Individual health risks: When antibiotics are misused and not taken in full dosage, it can result in allergic reactions, digestive problems, and other side effects. It will also lead to recurrent infections if the initial infection is not fully treated.

• Conclusion

• We all have a role to play in preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics. An understanding of the proper use of antibiotics will help us make better-informed decisions and help us protect ourselves and future generations from the threat of antibiotic-resistant infections. Stop self-medication of any sort. Take antibiotics only when prescribed by your doctor or a licensed pharmacist. Also, maintain proper personal hygiene and take your vaccines regularly and on time.

• With a knowledge of the effects of antibiotic misuse, we can now take conscious steps to prevent it and preserve the effectiveness of these life-saving drugs for future generations. Sometimes, antibiotics are necessary, even when a person tries to avoid them. People may need antibiotics for an infection that is spreading or getting worse, or for life threatening conditions, such as pneumonia and sepsis. Doctors may also prescribe antibiotics for people who have a high risk of developing serious infections, including:

• -people undergoing surgery.

• -people with end stage kidney diseases.

• -people receiving chemotherapy.

• According to the Center for disease control and prevention (CDC), the benefits of antibiotics usually outweigh the risks for people who require them. However, each individual should speak with a doctor to determine the best course of action