What does FOAR mean in UNCLASSIFIED

FOAR is an educative platform aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of antimicrobial resistance. It provides up-to-date information on the public health threat, what causes it, how to prevent it, and solutions that can help mitigate this global challenge.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is when bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites evolve and become able to survive exposure to antibiotics or other medicines that were previously used to kill them. As a result, these infections become more difficult – and sometimes impossible – to treat. This can lead to increased mortality from existing illnesses and longer hospital stays for those affected.

The primary cause of AMR is due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in both humans and animals. When organisms are exposed to antimicrobials frequently, they become resistant as their genetic profile changes over time. Additionally, advances in medical technology also play a role as more powerful antibiotics are created and applied inappropriately by healthcare practitioners, contributing to the creation of drug-resistant superbugs.

You can help reduce worldwide antibiotic use by being mindful when taking antibiotics and using them only when absolutely necessary as directed by your doctor or healthcare provider. Furthermore, you can choose foods with less antibiotic use like organic fresh produce if possible, practice good hygiene such as handwashing regularly with soap & water for at least 20 seconds after being around animals or visiting public areas, and get vaccinated against common illnesses like influenza.

Yes - taking an antibiotic correctly prescribed by your doctor is generally safe but it's important to follow all instructions carefully. Doing so will ensure that the medicine works properly while minimizing the risks associated with taking antibiotics unnecessarily or incorrectly. Speak with your healthcare practitioner if you have any questions regarding a specific prescription.

No - buying antibiotics without a prescription is not recommended as they may be inappropriate for treating your condition or may increase the risk of developing AMR further down the line. It's important that you speak with qualified medical professionals before making any decisions regarding treatment options.

Natural alternatives like herbs have been used in traditional medicine for centuries but there isn't enough evidence yet that prove their efficacy against bacterial infections compared to conventional medicines like antibiotics. Therefore it’s best speak with your doctor about options available as well as potential risks associated with specific natural remedies before making any decisions about your treatment plan.

Yes - certain human behaviors such as improper disposal of waste materials containing antimicrobials have been linked to increased AMR risk factors in areas where those materials end up being reused such as soil fertilizers1. Other contributing factors include frequent travel between regions which could create opportunities for microbes resistant strains spread more quickly than before.