Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
If an infection is not improving on antibiotics, contact the healthcare professional who prescribed them promptly. If the person is seriously deteriorating or sepsis is suspected, seek emergency care now rather than waiting for a routine reply. A lack of improvement needs clinical reassessment; by itself, it does not confirm antibiotic resistance or show which treatment is needed.
What should you do first?
- Contact the prescribing healthcare professional promptly. Say clearly that the infection is not getting better or is getting worse. The CDC advises patients to report either situation; do not wait a set number of days if the person’s condition is deteriorating.
- Seek emergency care if sepsis is suspected or the person is seriously deteriorating. Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency, and the CDC urges people to act fast. If you think it may be sepsis, use emergency services or go to emergency care rather than waiting for a routine appointment or callback.
- Have the medication details ready. Note the antibiotic name and directions, and be prepared to describe missed doses, difficulty taking it, side effects, and any new or worsening symptoms.
The CDC’s patient-safety guidance suggests asking: “could this be sepsis?”
What should you tell the clinician and ask?
Share information that may help the clinician assess the infection and choose what to do next:
- Whether symptoms are stable, improving, or worsening, and when the change began.
- The antibiotic name, how you have taken it, any missed doses, and any side effects or difficulty taking it.
- Whether you have had an antimicrobial-resistant infection before, a recent hospitalization, or recent healthcare outside the United States.
Ask whether you need reassessment or testing, and how the results will guide the next step. The CDC says testing helps healthcare personnel pick the right antibiotic or antifungal treatment.
#1 Best Overall
- COVID TEST KITS: 4 BinaxNOW COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits includes 4 foam-tipped swabs, 4 test cards, and 4 dropper bottles with simple instructions
- HSA/FSA ELIGIBLE: Abbott’s BinaxNOW at-home COVID test kits are HSA/FSA eligible
- TRUSTED TECHNOLOGY: FDA authorized BinaxNOW COVID tests utilize the same technology doctors use to test for COVID-19; BinaxNOW rapid COVID tests detect multiple COVID-19 variants*
- FAST COVID-19 TEST RESULTS: Each COVID rapid test provides fast, reliable results in just 15 minutes—no appointment required
- FOR AGES 2 and ABOVE: COVID-19 tests are suitable for kids when administered by an adult; ages 15 and older are able to self-administer COVID home tests with easy-to-follow instructions
Does treatment failure prove the infection is resistant?
No. Antibiotic resistance means germs have developed the ability to defeat drugs designed to kill them, so they can continue growing. It does not mean a person’s body has become resistant to antibiotics. An infection that is not improving is a reason to contact a clinician, but that fact alone cannot diagnose resistance or identify why treatment is not working.
The right explanation depends on the particular infection and the person’s clinical situation. The title does not specify the infection site, organism, test results, medication, or patient factors, so it is not possible to identify the cause or recommend an alternative regimen here.
Rank #2
- # 1 At-Home COVID Test Supplier: Trusted by millions of families, with over 1 billion tests delivered nationwide through the federal government’s free COVID-19 test program during pandemic.
- FDA 510(k) Cleared 15-Minute Self-Test: The test is FDA 510(k) cleared and can be used as a 15-minute self-test to detect whether or not an individual has COVID-19. The test can be completed in the comfort of your own home without the need to ship your sample to a lab.
- Detects Multiple COVID-19 Variants: The test is designed to detect multiple COVID-19 variants, helping you stay informed even as the virus evolves.
- Easy to Use with Minimal Discomfort: The test can be done by inserting 1/2 to 3/4 inch of a simple non-invasive nasal swab. Step-by-step instructional videos are available in our app (Installation of the app is optional).
- For Ages 2 and Above: The self-administered test is recommended for individuals aged 15 years and older. Adult-collection is required for testing children 2-14 years old.
How might the clinician decide what to do next?
The treating team can reassess the person and decide whether diagnostic testing is appropriate. If results identify a germ and show which medicines it is susceptible to, that information can help guide treatment. Decisions also depend on the infection site and patient-specific factors; there is no universally appropriate “stronger antibiotic” for every case.
Antibiotic choices and guidance vary with the infection and clinical circumstances. CDC recommendations for selected common outpatient infections are not a general rescue plan for treatment failure across all resistant infections. Follow the treating clinician’s advice rather than trying to select a replacement medicine yourself.
Rank #3
- Tests for the Most Common STDs: An easy-to-use common STD test with simple, high quality accurate, and private results. Simple HealthKit's Common STD Test screens for the most common and curable STDs / STIs: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea & Trichomoniasis
- Includes Telehealth: As part of our commitment to you. We are here from start to finish, no loose ends. If you receive a positive or abnormal test result, follow-up care is included. No extra charge. No hidden fees. It's that simple.
- Private & Easy To Use: Discreet, at-home testing that fits your life. Clear instructions, quick collection, and no awkward clinic visits. Just test, mail, and get answers.
- High Quality Results & Physician Approved, Test Intended for 18+ Only. Lab processing is included with your test purchase. Lab is CLIA Certified and CAP Accredited. Results delivered through a HIPAA-compliant portal.
- HSA / FSA Eligible: Use your HSA/FSA funds and save. A smarter, more affordable way to take care of your health without surprise costs.
What should you do with the current antibiotic?
Take it according to the instructions you were given while you contact the healthcare professional. Do not independently change or stop the course, share the medicine, or save it for later. Tell the clinician about missed doses, questions, trouble taking it, or side effects, and follow their advice about what to do.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How common is antibiotic resistance?
The World Health Organization’s antimicrobial-resistance fact sheet estimates that approximately 1 in 6 laboratory-confirmed bacterial infections worldwide were resistant to antibiotics in 2023. That is a global estimate for that year—not an individual patient’s probability of resistance, and not a measure of how often treatment fails.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- COMBO TEST KIT: Includes 2 at-home COVID and flu rapid tests designed to detect active infection.
- TRUSTED TECHNOLOGY: Utilizes the same technology doctors use to test for COVID and the flu.
- TEST EASIER, REST EASIER: Detects multiple COVID-19 variants and flu strains A&B. A computational analysis of the detection of multiple SARS-COV-2 strains, Influenza A and Influenza B and predicts no impact in performance of BinaxNOW COVID-19/Flu A&B Combo Self Test.
- FAST, RELIABLE RESULTS: FDA-cleared 15-minute self-test for COVID and flu provides fast, reliable results anytime, anywhere. No need for a prescription or sending to a lab.
- EASY TO USE: Requires a simple, shallow nasal swab. Easy-to-follow instructions included.
Rank #4
- FDA EUA AUTHORIZED & HSA / FSA ELIGIBLE – This at-home COVID-19 rapid antigen test is FDA Emergency Use Authorized to detect COVID-19 and its latest variants. Eligible for HSA/FSA reimbursement, making it a convenient and cost-effective testing solution.
- TRUSTED ACCURACY & RELIABILITY – With over 45 million INDICAID tests sold across 30+ countries, the INDICAID COVID test is trusted worldwide for its precision and accuracy.
- CONVENIENT & EASY TO USE – Designed for on-the-go testing with a compact package perfect for travel, school, work, and home. Requires only a shallow nasal swab and can be completed in four simple steps.
- FAMILY FRIENDLY FOR AGES 2+ – Self-administered for individuals 15+, while children aged 2-14 require adult assistance.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
