Which of the following actions can help reduce antibiotic resistance?

Completing the entire prescribed course of antibiotics is crucial in reducing antibiotic resistance because it ensures that the full bacterial infection is eradicated. When patients stop taking antibiotics prematurely, some bacteria may survive, sometimes because they are resistant to the medication. These surviving bacteria can multiply and spread, leading to infections that are harder to treat in the future. This not only impacts the individual patient but also contributes to the broader public health issue of antibiotic resistance.

In contrast, starting antibiotics based on previous prescriptions or using them for every minor ailment can lead to unnecessary use and promote resistance. Taking antibiotics only as needed may also be appropriate but does not emphasize the importance of completing the full course once started. The practice of completing prescribed antibiotics is therefore instrumental in minimizing the likelihood of developing resistant bacterial strains.