IMAGE: Spot the difference between bacteria and a  virus
It is imperative that we first identify the difference between bacteria and virus'. Bacteria are single celled microorganisms which can be beneficial or detrimental to our health, living both in hosts (such as humans) but are also found in many environments around the planet. A virus however, has no cell structure and requires a host in order to survive. Infections can be caused by virus' or bacteria (e.g. chest infections, UTIs (urinary tract infections) etc.), but the way we treat them differs hugely. Numerous virus' are vaccinated against in order to prevent the infection in a mammalian host, but virus' such as the common cold are not curable this way, usually they just need to be waited out. Bacteria however, are combated using antibiotics. Later we'll discuss how antibiotics do this but it is important to note this key point: Virus' cannot be killed by antibiotics. 
- The Good: defence, microbiome
- The Bad: disease causing
- The Ugly: what happens when we get rid of good bacteria through over use of antibiotics

How antibiotics work

2) Breaking down the cell wall.

Pesky Bacteria

It should be stated that it is the bacteria itself which becomes resistant, NOT us as individuals. 
How do bacteria develop resistance? Unlike mammalian cells, bacterial cells divide and multiply rapidly. As a result, mutations will arise because the bacterial DNA is copied too quickly and thus, errors in the DNA sequence will occur.  
Bacteria also have this ‘nifty’ way of making non-resistant cells, resistant! As if they weren’t annoying enough already. The process is called horizontal gene transfer (shown in illustration). Here, resistant bacterial cells will conjugate to (make a link with) a non-resistant bacterial cell. This enables a path to form between the two cells and they can transfer genetic data (i.e.share their resistant genes). Overall, more bacterial cells will now posses this mutation and thus be resistant to the antibiotic, making it harder to eradicate the infection.
- Transduction
- Transformation
Another way in which bacteria achieve resistance is again by mutations, which this time make enzymes (nature’s catalyst (enables a reaction to occur)). The bacteria learn what the antibiotic looks like and will produce enzymes which can break down the antibiotic when they make contact with it. After all, bacteria are living things and have the ability to learn as we do. 

The Rise of the Superbug

According to WHO (World Health Organisation1), global increase in antibiotic resistance is one of the largest threats to human health today. During winter many people experience colds and flus, with the occasional stomach bug thrown in for good measure too. It’s at this time of year that many people go to their doctors in search of a quick remedy to what can sometimes feel like a never-ending cough or runny nose. However, when you go in search of such miracles in the form of antibiotics, could you be doing more harm than good?